Jennifer Gooden

About Jennifer Gooden

I am a dynamic Talent Development Executive who believes employee development and learning is the ultimate competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.With over 15 years of experience in human resources and talent development, I’ve led culture-shaping and performance-driven initiatives across global corporations and field-based industries. My background includes designing and delivering impactful learning strategies—from hands-on leadership development to scalable e-learning programs—for major organizations including Tesla, Xerox, MarketStar, and Sutherland Global Services, as well as within operationally intensive sectors like oil field services.I bring a strategic, people-first approach to talent, culture, and leadership. My work spans the full employee lifecycle—from identifying organizational capability needs to developing high-performing leaders, shaping internal communications, and embedding values into everyday practices across diverse environments.Summary of Qualifications:* 15+ years of human resources experience, including executive-level talent and culture leadership* Strong background coaching and certifying over 300 Team Managers and 150 Mid and Executive-Level Leaders* Proven success leading all aspects of staff development: curriculum design, instructional content, e-learning integration, leadership programs, and post-training evaluation* Experienced in shaping organizational culture, strengthening internal communication, and driving engagement across field and corporate teams* Certifications: Safe Zone Certified Trainer (2020), Certified Trainer – VitalSmarts (2019), Platinum Master Coach – Sutherland (2015), Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt – Xerox (2014)

Experience

1. Director, Talent & Culture

   LUFKIN INDUSTRIES

   Dec 2023 — Present · Missouri City, TX, US

   Led enterprise-wide talent strategy, including performance management, leadership development, career pathways, and succession planning, strengthening organizational capability across a decentralized workforce. Redesigned and executed the annual performance review and goal setting process, optimizing UKG systems and delivering leader training to drive alignment, clarity, and improved performance conversations, while advancing culture building initiatives across decentralized teams.Directed companywide internal communications, including the rollout of UKG Talk and strategic messaging frameworks that improved transparency, engagement, and cross site alignment. Led the enterprise Employee Engagement Survey program, supporting high participation levels and guiding leaders through action planning to elevate culture, recognition, and development. Guided organization wide change initiatives, partnering with operations and HSE to embed cultural expectations, strengthen communication rhythms, and support workforce stability during periods of transition.Strengthened enterprise HR systems and role clarity by consolidating talent processes in UKG and leading the development of Role Profiles, improving consistency, governance, and scalability across regions.

Education

• Southwestern Oregon Community College

  Associate of Science (AS), AAOT

  2000 — 2002

• University of Oregon

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology

  2002 — 2004