Joanne Derwallis

About Joanne Derwallis

An affable, high energy, HR leader with a “roll up your sleeves” approach to handling any challenge. A Joanne is a results-driven, cost-conscious, and dedicated leader who has built a distinguished career transforming organizations through strategic leadership, innovation, and mentorship. A proven trailblazer in the Non-Profit, Education, Healthcare, Financial Services, and Technology sectors, she has a track record of elevating culture, advancing equity, and driving performance. Through process improvements, automation, and self-service models, Joanne has enhanced talent management, benefits administration, and employee engagement.Since 2017, Joanne has served as the Human Resources Director for Family Centers Inc. in Greenwich, CT, where she leads end-to-end HR operations, implementing impactful strategies and policies that align with the organization’s mission. Passionate about mentoring early-career leaders, she is committed to developing the next generation of professionals, fostering growth, and creating pathways for success.Joanne earned a Bachelor\'s degree in Sociology from Clark University and holds senior professional certifications from HRCI and SHRM. A proud Connecticut native, she finds balance in hiking, caring for animals, embracing a healthy lifestyle, and cherishing time with family.Expertise: Talent Acquisition, Benefits, Engagement, Communication, HRIS, ATS, LMS, Leadership, Performance Management, HR Operations, Compliance, Change Management, and Professional Development

Experience

1. Director of Human Resources

   Family Centers

   Jan 2017 — Present · Greenwich, CT, US

   Oversee the Human Resources function for mission-driven organization with over 25 programs in community health - behavioral health, primary medical and dental (Joint Commission accredited), bereavement and family counseling, preschool education (NAEYC accredited), vocational and self-sufficiency support, and literacy educationSince its inception 125+ years ago in 1891, Family Centers has grown to offer quality education and human service programs that address the ever-changing challenges affecting residents of Stamford, Greenwich, Darien, and New Canaan. Through 25+ programs and services, Family Centers serves more than Fairfield County residents each year. Family Centers’ programs include preschool Head Start and early care programs for young children, federally qualified health clinics, mental health, bereavement and family counseling services, primary medical and dental services for school-aged children, vocational and self-sufficiency support, English language and basic literacy education, and much more. Family Centers is accredited by The Joint Commission and NAEYC.

Education

• Clark University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Sociology

Skills

• HR Project Management
• Employee Relations
• Career Pathing
• Compensation Strategies
• Human Resources
• Microsoft Office
• Sphr
• Succession Planning
• Management
• E-Verify
• Flsa
• Cobra
• Leadership
• Compensation Structures
• Behavioral Interviewing
• Onboarding
• I-9 Compliance
• Recruiting
• Fmla
• Strategic Thinking
• College Recruiting
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Offer Letters
• Change Management
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Exit Interviews
• Employee Benefits
• Candidate Generation
• Eeo/Aa Compliance
• Generalist Duties
• Business Partner Support
• Employment Law
• Performance Management
• Employee Training
• Eeo/Aa
• Employee Handbooks
• Open Enrollment
• Group Benefits
• Employee Surveys
• Talent Management