Cheris McFarland

About Cheris McFarland

With deep expertise in HR operations, employee and labor relations, and HR program leadership, I bring an intentional, people-first approach to every aspect of my work—balancing strategy and empathy to build scalable solutions that truly work for people.My background spans complex, high-tech environments, including the semiconductor industry, as well as service in the U.S. Army. That combination of discipline, adaptability, and real-world HR experience allows me to navigate ambiguity, lead with clarity, and deliver outcomes aligned with both business priorities and employee experience.At Intel Corporation, I drove high-impact HR initiatives across performance management, recognition, employee relations, and HR service delivery, leveraging platforms such as Workday and ServiceNow. I supported 18K+ global employees and partnered closely with senior leaders to embed HR into the rhythm of the business—turning strategy into practical, actionable outcomes.But what I’m most proud of isn’t just what I’ve delivered—it’s how I lead: I listen before I act I build trust through consistency I simplify complexity to move people and the business forwardI believe HR isn’t just a function—it’s a force for trust, connection, and progress. That’s the standard I bring to every role.Outside of HR, I channel my creativity through voiceover work—using storytelling, tone, and presence to bring scripts to life. Whether behind a mic or in a meeting, I use my voice with purpose.

Experience

1. Senior Employee Relations Consultant

   Arista Networks

   Nov 2025 — Present

   Serve as a senior employee relations advisor supporting leaders and employees across the U.S. and Canada, partnering closely with Legal to navigate complex, high-risk people matters. Lead disciplinary, performance management, and grievance investigations with a focus on fairness, consistency, and compliance with local employment laws and organizational values. Advise senior leaders and people managers on sensitive employee relations issues, strengthening decision-making and leadership capability. Collaborate with global employee relations partners on shared processes, practices, and risk alignment, and maintain thorough, end-to-end case documentation to ensure appropriate follow-through and resolution.

Education

• Community College of Baltimore County

  Associate of Arts - AA, Hospitality Administration/Management