Kristin Ritsema

About Kristin Ritsema

As an accomplished, growth-driven, and people-centric leader, I’m known for aligning workforce needs with organizational goals to enable transformative change and strengthen performance. Throughout my career, I’ve successfully developed strategies for and led key initiatives, high-priority programs, and business operations, and I leverage distinctive experience in corporate communications to develop compelling content across multiple channels. I’m also a passionate employee experience advocate committed to enriching employee culture, engaging and unifying teams, and nurturing empowered, productive workforces. I’m a true business partner called on by C-level decision makers and stakeholders to steer companywide initiatives and revise processes to achieve efficiencies. I enjoy building, coaching, and mentoring teams, and I excel at forging strategic, cross-functional partnerships to advance goals. From the early days of my career, I’ve demonstrated integrity and authenticity, while focusing on instilling inclusive, learning-focused cultures.**HIGHLIGHTS** Improved Santander’s leadership diversity through designing and launching the selective inaugural leadership development program (SPARK) targeting high-potential women and minority talent. Created the program curriculum (workshops, executive coaching, sponsorship) and improved participant visibility to executive management. Optimized performance of Santander’s internal communications team by redefining stakeholder expectations, clarifying requirements, and enforcing SLAs. Expanded mentorship accessibility, reinforced mutual benefits of mentorship, and strengthened overall culture after developing the widely successful Mentorship ARC program. Improved HP’s talent pipeline, established college graduate leadership development, and introduced instructional design and facilitation after creating and launching the Network Development Program (NDP). Developed the University Hire Program and designed the curriculum.**EXPERTISE**Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Corporate Communications, Organizational Development, Employee Engagement, Process Improvement, Program Management, Project Management & Delivery, Change Management, Staff & Leadership Development, Executive Coaching, Business Partnering, Alliance Building, Content Development, Performance Management, Succession Planning, Onboarding, Training & Mentoring, Performance Data Analysis, Workforce Planning

Experience

1. Vice President - Santander Us Culture, HR Strategy & Messaging

   Santander Us

   Aug 2023 — Present · Dallas, TX, US

   I was promoted to this role to bolster employee communications and engagement via strategic campaigns, process improvement and governance. My scope of responsibility includes overseeing the development and distribution of a weekly newsletter, company intranet, employee email blasts, and various feature stories. In addition, I develop, execute, and optimize communications campaigns to drive engagement while leading a five-member team and the Communications Community of Practice.

Education

• Baylor University

  BA

• The University of Texas at Dallas

  Masters in Leadership & Organizational Development

  2023 — 2025