Nicole Newton

About Nicole Newton

As a results-driven Senior Director, HR People Partner, I leverage a robust operational background to transform human resources into a strategic engine for organizational success. With extensive experience in managing global teams, I excel at fostering collaboration across diverse cultures and geographies, ensuring alignment and synergy in achieving business objectives.I bring an AI-first mindset to HR, harnessing data-driven insights and innovative technologies to optimize talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management. My track record of designing and implementing forward-thinking strategies has consistently driven continuous improvement and operational excellence.Recognized for my ability to navigate complex challenges, I thrive in high-pressure environments, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth. I am passionate about creating innovative solutions that elevate employee experience and enhance organizational performance, ensuring that HR is not just a support function but a cornerstone of strategic initiatives.

Experience

1. Senior Director Human Resources

   Avalara

   Oct 2021 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   In my current role, I partner with our GTM and Finance organizations to drive performance, strengthen leadership, and build a winning culture. Over my time at Avalara, I’ve also had the opportunity to support CCO, Legal, People & Culture, Engineering, Product & Strategy, and IT — giving me a unique perspective across the company.I specialize in highly transformational environments — the kind where the ground shifts quickly, expectations are high, and the only way forward is to embrace change with courage and clarity. My work is about influencing leaders to challenge the status quo, lean into discomfort, and create the conditions for high performance.At Avalara, we’re an AI-first, high-performance organization with an audacious vision: to be part of every transaction in the world. This vision fuels my commitment to help leaders:See clearly when the path is uncertain.Act decisively when it would be easier to wait.Raise the bar when performance is already high.Grateful to be part of a culture that rewards grit, curiosity, and ownership — and to work alongside leaders who are brave enough to do the hard things that truly move us forward.

Education

• MIT Sloan School of Management

  Certification, Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy Program

• Cornell University

  Masters Certificate in Human Resources

Skills

• Hospitality Industry
• Revenue Analysis
• Hospitality Management
• Customer Service
• Employee Training
• Personnel Management
• Pre-Opening
• Lodging
• Event Planning
• Employee Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Opening Hotels
• Food
• Event Management
• Meeting Planning
• Hospitality
• Front Office
• Team Building
• Trade Shows
• Banquets
• Resorts
• Micros
• Corporate Events
• Hotels
• Guest Service Management
• Food
• Human Resources
• Fine Dining
• Hiring
• Property Management Systems
• Yield Management
• Restaurants
• Training
• Catering
• Rooms Division
• Recruiting
• Food Service
• Hotel Management
• Menu Development
• Restaurant Management