Joanna Barraco

About Joanna Barraco

Dynamic and results-driven HR leader with a proven track record of steering global HR operations in high-growth startups and tech-driven environments. Known for aligning innovative people strategies with business goals to fuel organizational success. A catalyst for HR transformation, specialization includes streamlining processes, leveraging cutting-edge systems, and fostering operational excellence.Key achievements include driving a 93% employee retention rate, implementing cost-saving initiatives without compromising team effectiveness, and earning a 100% satisfaction rate in annual upward reviews from direct reports. Expertise spans full-cycle talent management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and global HR compliance—all while prioritizing a seamless and engaging employee experience.Equally adept at collaborating with senior stakeholders and leading diverse teams, personal fulfillment is achieved in building cultures where talent flourishes, and businesses scale sustainably. Whether navigating complex compliance landscapes or reimagining the employee journey, talents include bringing passion, precision, and a people-first mindset to every challenge.

Experience

1. Director, Human Resources

   Truenas

   Sep 2023 — Present · Campbell, CA, US

   Established a legal business entity in the Philippines to transition all employees from an Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement to direct employment under the new entity, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and improving operational efficiency.Generated and maintained a 22% reduction in serious employer-related issues by planning and spearheading a 10-month People Leader Development Training program.Eliminated Paylocity and implemented BambooHR, and reduced data entry errors by 45% via an efficient employee change approval process through Confluence.Boosted team productivity by 38% through the development and retention of a top-performing HR team.Enhanced recruitment performance by 30% through the implementation of a team-wide KPI tracking system.Fostered a culture of innovation, leading to timely rollout of a revamped onboarding program, disciplinary development program, performance management system, and data-driven offboarding program.Maximized career progression and skill-building opportunities for staff by introducing and promoting a structured employee development training program and career ladder pathways through Culture Amp.Optimized hiring efficiency and transparency by creating and facilitating a streamlined requisition approval process utilizing Jira Boards, Google Sheets, and BambooHR.Monitored and maintained full compliance with US, Canada, and EMEA regulations, including local, state, and federal laws, as well as benefits administration (401(k), COBRA, Stock Programs).

Education

• University of Arkansas

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Education w/ HR Minor

Skills

• Adp Payroll
• Human Resources
• Talent Management
• Management
• Employee Relations
• Recruiting
• Fmla
• Leadership
• Benefits Administration
• Applicant Tracking Systems
• Eeo
• Hris
• Performance Management
• Employment Law
• Training