Heidi L. Messier Gross

About Heidi L. Messier Gross

Heidi Gross is a seasoned genealogist with over 17 years of experience, dedicated to helping others discover their family stories. In 2016, she founded Forge Research Associates (formerly Ancestry Investigation Services), where she offers genealogical seminars and professional research services to assist people on their ancestry journey. Heidi’s passion for genealogy began with her own family history exploration and has since grown into a lifelong mission of uncovering the past to help others connect with their roots.Her latest book, Unlocking Your Roots: A Beginner’s Guide to Discovering Your Family History, was released on October 2, 2024. It draws on her extensive experience teaching genealogy courses and conducting both personal and professional research. Heidi’s approachable teaching style and deep understanding of genealogical techniques provide beginners with a practical, easy-to-follow guide for exploring their family history.In addition to her genealogy work, Heidi is the founder of HG Creative Works, a publishing company that reflects her passion for storytelling and personal histories. Under HG Creative Works, she has released impactful titles, including Embracing Love: A Parent’s Guide to Nurturing and Celebrating LGBTQ+ Identity, inspired by her journey as the mother of a transgender son. This heartfelt book offers insight, compassion, and support to parents on similar paths.Heidi is also the creator of Seniors Speak, a volunteer initiative designed to encourage seniors to share their stories and preserve their valuable experiences for future generations. This program fosters intergenerational connections and highlights the importance of community history.In addition to her focus on genealogy and publishing, Heidi accumulated over 26 years of experience as a senior HR professional, working across public, private, and non-profit sectors, including agile start-ups and Fortune 200 companies. Her company, Meridian HR Services, assists organizations to rise to their potential. She holds a BS in Communications and is currently pursuing her MBA, with an expected graduation in 2025.

Experience

1. Principal Owner

   Meridian Hr Solutions

   Apr 2015 — Present · Hudson Falls, NY, US

   Meridian HR Solutions partners with growing organizations to build scalable, compliant, and people-centered HR practices.• Advise executive teams and people leaders through the design and delivery of strategic HR training programs aligned with business objectives, organizational growth, and risk mitigation.• Lead customized, instructor-led trainings and facilitated workshops on employment law compliance (FMLA, ADA, EEO), employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, and leave administration.• Coach managers and supervisors in effective people leadership, including documentation standards, corrective action, performance improvement planning, and sound decision-making in complex employee matters.• Design onboarding and leadership development frameworks that integrate culture, compliance, and operational readiness in scaling organizations.• Partner with clients during HR audits, handbook implementations, and policy rollouts, delivering embedded training to ensure practical adoption and sustainable change.• Support organizations operating in multi-state and remote environments by translating legal and regulatory requirements into actionable, real-world management practices.• Former HRCI PHR/SPHR certification course facilitator through SHRM-affiliated programs, supporting HR professionals through advanced professional development and credential preparation.

Education

• Northcentral University

  Master of Business Administration (MBA)- Candidate, Human Resources Management and Services

  2013 — 2015

• State University of New York College at Fredonia

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Communication and Media Studies

  1990 — 1994

• Castleton University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

Skills

• Benefits Administration
• Compensation
• Applicant Tracking Systems
• Sphr
• Interviews
• New Hire Orientations
• Sourcing
• Temporary Placement
• College Recruiting
• Performance Management
• Employee Training
• Onboarding
• Employee Handbooks
• Staffing Services
• Human Resources
• Talent Acquisition
• Hris
• HR Policies
• Employment Law
• Workforce Planning
• Employee Benefits
• Training
• Recruiting
• Fmla
• Staff Development
• Payroll
• Talent Management
• Technical Recruiting
• Job Descriptions
• Management
• Personnel Management
• Internet Recruiting
• Screening Resumes
• Leadership
• Screening
• Hiring
• Deferred Compensation
• Compensation
• Taleo
• Employee Relations