Tracey Mallory

About Tracey Mallory

I\'ve spent 20+ years helping companies figure out how to operate better. Not just the HR pieces, but the full picture: leadership alignment, organizational structure, how work actually flows (or doesn\'t), and what\'s getting in the way of execution. My background is in HR, but my work has always extended well beyond it. I partner closely with CEOs and executive teams to build the infrastructure that lets growing companies scale without losing their footing. My work has included building compensation frameworks, overhauling people systems, leading post-acquisition integrations, and running cross-functional workstreams to close execution gaps. What sets me apart is the combination of an MA in Counseling Psychology and certification as a Crucial Conversations trainer. I\'m trained to understand what\'s actually driving behavior, which makes me more effective at leadership alignment, navigating conflict, and leading organizations through real change. A few results I\'m proud of- Reduced HR cost per employee by 52% and reduced payroll processing from 16 staff-hours per cycle to under 2 at Photon Brothers- Guided post-acquisition integration of Blue Moon Digital into MERGE across 800+ employees- Drove 25% headcount growth through equitable hiring and DEI initiatives Outside of work, I\'m a licensed private pilot and spend my free time flying, hiking, skiing, and traveling. If you\'re building something and need an operator who understands both people and systems, I\'d love to connect.

Experience

1. Senior Director of HR (Head of HR)

   Photon Brothers

   Jan 2025 — Present

   Partner with CEO and President to drive company-wide execution and improve leadership alignment across the organization (6 states, including California and Colorado)• Lead monthly leadership forum with 17 senior leaders to surface execution gaps, improve cross-functional communication, and drive accountability on key business priorities• Designed and launched cross-functional workstreams to address execution gaps, improve role clarity, and reduce operational bottlenecks• Partner with department leaders to assess performance and shape initiatives aimed at improving revenue across service lines• Led transition from PEO to independent HR systems, reducing HR cost per employee 52%• Implemented HRIS/payroll systems (Paylocity, Rippling), reducing payroll processing time by 95%Other Achievements• Built company-wide job architecture pay bands, and conducted pay equity analysis • Standardized performance management and leadership expectations across departments • Reduced administrative workloads by 30% through process improvements• Delivered Crucial Conversations training, increasing engagement by 18%

Education

• University of Colorado Boulder

  BA, Sociology

• University of Colorado Denver

  MA, Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education