Kara Pautarzhytski

About Kara Pautarzhytski

I’m a strategic and people-first HR leader with 15+ years of experience driving organizational change across nonprofit, education, and corporate environments. I’ve led HR teams through rapid growth, leadership transitions, system overhauls, and culture transformations—with a focus on compliance, engagement, and equity.My strengths lie in simplifying complex challenges, building high-performing teams, and aligning HR strategy with business outcomes. From stepping in as interim VP of HR to launching my own HR consulting business, I bring a blend of tactical execution and big-picture thinking to every role. Core competencies include:Multi-site HR leadership & team developmentEmployee relations, investigations & compliance (FMLA, ADA, ERD, DOL, EEOC)HRIS implementation & optimization (Paycor, Workday, iSolved, ADP)DEI-focused recruitment and retentionPolicy development, audits, and training designI’m passionate about creating workplaces where people feel safe, supported, and empowered.Let’s connect if you’re looking for someone who leads with integrity, adapts with purpose, and delivers with impact.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Empire Education Group

   Mar 2025 — Present · Green Bay, WI, US

   Provide strategic leadership and daily operational oversight of a beauty education campus, supporting student success, faculty performance, and regulatory compliance. Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and customer service in alignment with Empire’s mission and values.• Oversee all school functions, including operations, academics, student support, admissions forecasting, staff development, and salon services.• Lead and develop a high-performing team, including educators and support staff, ensuring effective classroom coverage and optimal student-teacher ratios.• Champion student engagement and retention by implementing individualized support plans, addressing attendance and academic issues, and maintaining accurate student records.• Facilitate orientations, conduct classroom observations, and proactively resolve student concerns to enhance satisfaction and success.• Maintain full compliance with accrediting and licensing bodies, including NACCAS, State Board of Cosmetology, and Department of Education requirements.• Collaborate with the Regional Director and corporate departments to achieve enrollment, revenue, and Total Quality School (TQS) metric goals.• Manage hiring, training, coaching, and performance management for all campus staff, fostering a positive and professional culture.• Monitor tuition payment compliance and support students in understanding financial responsibilities.• Represent Empire professionally at school and community events, promoting the school’s reputation as a premier provider of beauty education.• Respond to escalated student or client concerns with professionalism and alignment to company policy, modeling exceptional customer service.• Maintain and recommend improvements for the physical campus, ensuring a welcoming and functional learning environment.

Education

• Rasmussen University

  Bachelor of Applied Science, Human Resource Management and Organizational Development

  2016 — 2017

• Ashworth College

  Associate's degree, Legal Assistant/Paralegal

  2006 — 2008

• Kiel High School

  High School Diploma

  1999 — 2003

• Ashworth College

  Associate's degree, Business Administration and Management, General

  2008 — 2010