Dwain Carter

About Dwain Carter

To blend my education with my background in the HR industry and balance employment policy and law with a genuine sensitivity to issues that arise while functioning in and working with diverse people and groups.Specialties: Employee Relations, Recruitment, Wage and Compensation, Benefits, Training and Development, Union Negotiations, Labor Relations

Experience

1. Area Director of People & Culture

   IHG Hotels & Resorts

   Jan 2026 — Present

   Lead strategic HR operations and employee relations across multi-state locations (Washington, DC; Charlottesville, VA; Charlotte, NC), partnering with executive leadership, department heads, contractors, and union representatives to align people strategy with business objectives.· Oversee core HR functions including talent acquisition, onboarding, benefits, compensation, performance management, and employee engagement for a diverse, multi-department workforce.· Drive culture and engagement initiatives by implementing company-wide programs, employee events, and engagement surveys; partner with leadership to develop and execute action plans that improve retention, morale, and productivity.· Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (OSHA, EEO, Wage & Hour, Affirmative Action) while conducting annual HR compliance audits and advising leadership on policy improvements and risk mitigation.· Design and deliver leadership development, performance management, and progressive discipline training programs; coach managers to strengthen leadership capability and maintain a high-performing workplace culture.· Direct labor relations within a unionized environment, representing the organization in grievances, mediations, arbitrations, and collective bargaining negotiations.· Oversee workplace investigations, unemployment claims, workers’ compensation administration, and safety initiatives while maintaining thorough documentation and compliance with legal and corporate standards.

Education

• Strayer University

  Business Management/Human Resources , Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General

  2004 — 2008

Skills

• Payroll
• Recruiting
• Fmla
• Training
• Labor Relations
• Negotiation
• Employee Relations
• Employee/Labor Relations
• Interviews
• Leadership Development
• New Hire Orientations
• Personnel Management
• Benefits Administration
• Employee Benefits
• Union Negotiations
• Benefits
• College Recruiting
• Deferred Compensation
• Compensation
• Human Resources
• Industrial Relations
• Recruitment/Retention