Laura Kestner
Experienced HR Professional | Benefits, Talent, and Payroll Expert | Building Engaged, High-Performing Teams | Harvard-Trained in Leadership & Negotiation
- Role
- Human Resources Specialist at Forza Group
- Location
- Atlanta, GA, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Laura Kestner
I help organizations run more efficiently by focusing on people, process, and practical results.I’m an operations-minded leader who believes profit, efficiency, safety, and community all go hand in hand. I’ve strengthened systems, streamlined processes, and built workplaces where people are accountable and proud of what they accomplish.My background spans HR leadership and entrepreneurship, from serving as CHRO at Mohawk Auto Group to owning and operating a Ben & Jerry’s franchise. I bring that same hands-on, results-driven approach to every organization I support. Earlier in my career, I trained and led teams at Walmart, where I was recognized as one of their top operations trainers. That experience showed me what world-class efficiency looks like — and how to make it happen in any business.
Experience
Human Resources Specialist
Dec 2024 — Present
Oversaw all aspects of the employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding, training, and development.• Implemented an automated applicant tracking system resulting in a 10% reduction in time-to-fill positions.• Developed and implemented strategic HR initiatives to support company goals and objectives.
Education
The College of Saint Rose
Elementary Education and Teaching
Harvard Kennedy School
Executive Certificate in Public Leadership
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Communications & Public Relations
Skills
- Start-Ups
- Training
- Interviews
- Recruiting
- Fundraising
- Public Speaking
- Teaching
- Employee Relations
- Higher Education
- Program Management
- Leadership Development
- Staff Development
- Employee Benefits
- Adult Education
- Customer Service
- Coaching
- Leadership
- Event Planning
- Team Building
- Human Resources
- Administration
- Curriculum Development
- Program Development
- New Hire Orientations
- Policy
- Time Management
- Microsoft Office
- Team Leadership
- Microsoft Excel
- Career Development
- Performance Management
- Special Needs
- Admissions
- Microsoft Word
- Technical Writing
- Change Management
- Benefits Administration
- Riding Instruction
- Sports Coaching
- Horses
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