Katelyn Heston

About Katelyn Heston

As the Vice President of HR & Talent Acquisition, I lead and oversee the strategic direction and execution of human resources and talent acquisition functions within the organization. My role is responsible for driving HR strategy, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring the alignment of HR practices with the company\'s business goals.Key Responsibilities:Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive HR and talent acquisition strategies that support the company’s overall objectives and enhance organizational effectiveness.Talent Management: Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies to attract and retain top talent. Partner with senior leadership to forecast workforce needs and develop strategic talent plans.HR Operations: Ensure the efficient operation of HR functions including employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, and compliance with labor laws and regulations.Culture and Engagement: Promote a positive organizational culture and work environment. Implement initiatives to increase employee engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.Leadership Development: Design and implement leadership development programs to build internal talent and prepare future leaders for key roles within the organization.Diversity and Inclusion: Drive diversity and inclusion efforts to create a more inclusive workplace. Develop programs and practices that promote equity and a diverse workforce.Change Management: Lead HR transformation projects and manage change initiatives to support the organization\'s evolving needs and strategic priorities.Senior Management Collaboration: Act as a key advisor to the executive team, providing insights and recommendations on HR-related matters. Collaborate with department heads to align HR strategies with departmental goals.Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all HR practices are compliant with current labor laws and regulations. Manage risk by addressing potential HR-related issues proactively.

Experience

1. Vice President Human Resources

   Gentech Associates, Inc

   Feb 2018 — Present · Indianapolis, IN, US

   As Vice President of HR & Talent Acquisition, I lead the strategy and execution of all human resources functions for a 200+ person management consulting firm serving federal government clients. Over nearly eight years, I have built and scaled our HR and talent programs to support rapid company growth and evolving business needs.Key Responsibilities:Lead and mentor the HR and Talent Acquisition team, overseeing full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, and workforce planning.Partner with the executive team to align HR strategy with corporate goals, ensuring scalable processes for a growing workforce.Drive initiatives around performance management, employee engagement, leadership development, and retention.Ensure compliance with federal regulations and industry standards while fostering a people-first culture.Highlights & Achievements:Scaled the company from 27 employees to over 200, playing a pivotal role in talent strategy and workforce development.Built and matured HR infrastructure, including systems, policies, and programs to sustain organizational growth.Developed recruitment strategies to attract top talent in a competitive government consulting environment.Established a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth, helping position GenTech Associates as an employer of choice.

Education

• Indiana University Indianapolis

  Bachelor's degree, Psychology

  2010 — 2013