Jena Sawyer, M. Ed. Email & Phone Number

Denver, Co, Us

Littleton, Co, Us

Centennial, Colorado, Us

Led People Operations for a global EdTech company, overseeing all aspects of talent management, HR systems, payroll, compliance, and performance management for 350 employees. Spearheaded HR transformation, aligning talent strategies with business goals, improving engagement, and enhancing leadership development. Developed a People Leader Guide to standardize leadership practices across teams and support consistent growth.Key Achievements:* Led the strategic direction of People Operations, integrating leadership coaching and development as key pillars of success.* Developed a monthly leader training series that enhances collaboration and problem-solving across teams.* Optimized HR systems (HiBob, ADP) and integrated AI tools to augment team capacity, streamline operations, and enhance data-driven decision-making, improving overall operational efficiency.* Led global engagement initiatives, improving collaboration and performance management.* Developed leadership programs to align on consistent practices and drive accountability and performance.

I specialize in developing and delivering customized training, coaching, and consulting services to address internal challenges that lead to job dissatisfaction and organizational issues. I provide one-on-one and group coaching, facilitate workshops, and deliver training programs designed to enhance communication, leadership, and personal development. These services are tailored to meet the needs of employees, teams, and leaders, with a focus on improving workplace culture and engagement.I utilize a range of assessment tools, including The Leadership Circle Profile and Emergenetics, to inform my coaching and development programs. By aligning individual and organizational goals, I help clients drive professional growth and enhance overall organizational effectiveness.

Southport, Connecticut, Us

Built the People and Culture Department from the ground up, overseeing Recruiting, Onboarding, Training, Development, and Performance Management. Led the IT and Payroll/Benefits functions, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic vision and fostering an empowering, rewarding workplace culture.* Developed a centralized HR infrastructure, streamlining processes and creating feedback loops to support continuous improvement.* Led executive, manager, and employee coaching and development programs, including global team integration (Bangalore).* Implemented KPI-driven performance management systems, clarified roles, and aligned feedback with company values and growth plans.* Positioned HR as a strategic partner, enhancing recruiting, onboarding, and training processes to drive organizational growth.

Lakewood, Colorado, Us

Responsible for overall HR strategic direction and tactical performance. Collaborate with leadership team to develop and deliver programs that support the growth and development of the college and its employees in service of our students. Specific focus on areas such as culture, recruiting, onboarding, training, performance management, professional development and coaching, leadership development, and employee satisfaction. * Employee, Leadership and Organizational Development – Executive, manager, and employee coaching and development; incorporated staff professional development plans into performance feedback process; improved communication; recommended changes to organizational structure.* Performance Assessments and Expectations – Clarified roles and responsibilities; increased feedback frequency; updated performance feedback to include OKRs, KPIs, and Professional Development Plans.* Recruiting, Interviewing, Hiring, On/Off Boarding – Improved onboarding and exit process; transformed HR into a strategic hiring partner rather than simply an administrative function.* Strategic Planning and Budgeting, including succession planning and team analysis. * Oversaw Benefits Administration and Payroll* Team Communication and Effectiveness – Led initiatives to build more effective teams grounded in understanding and exploring the value of cognitive and behavioral diversity.

Denver, Co, Us

Member of Executive Team. Partner with leaders to design, build and implement programs, processes and tools to support the success of the Firm and its people.* Employee, Leadership and Organizational Development* Performance Assessments and Expectations* On/Off Boarding* Recruiting and Hiring* Employee Benefits and Wellness* Liaison Between Employees and Management* Communication* Coaching and Training* Diversity and Inclusion

Englewood, Co, Us

Managed multiple projects and led change initiatives to improve company performance and the overall employee experience. Focused on hiring, onboarding, employee development, leadership coaching, and culture-building initiatives.* Hiring & Onboarding: Increased retention by hiring for cultural and role fit. Coached hiring managers, improved job descriptions, facilitated interviews, and led onboarding programs that boosted productivity and satisfaction.* Employee Development: Implemented training and development programs, including Emergenetics® assessments, to enhance communication, teamwork, and individual growth.* Leadership Coaching: Developed high-potential employees and leadership through observation, discussion, and targeted training. Addressed skill gaps and fostered team development.* Performance Management: Aligned individual responsibilities with company goals. Managed 360 feedback processes, defined performance metrics, and coached managers on effective performance assessments.* Culture & Employee Engagement: Led a team of culture ambassadors to coordinate employee volunteering, recognition programs, and monthly events that built camaraderie and engagement.* Process Improvement & Documentation: Ensured operational continuity by documenting processes, facilitating cross-functional improvements, and coordinating cross-training to maintain organizational effectiveness.

Broomfield, Co, Us

Developed internal and external reports, performed variance analysis, produced complex GL entries. Obtained my coaching certification and expressed interest in OD activities, including employee/leader coaching, addressing underlying causes of business challenges, and facilitating training. I was invited to collaborate with the OD team to deliver an innovative training and coaching program focused on improving employee and leader performance and was instrumental in the program’s execution.

Before shifting my focus to people and culture, I spent several years building a deep understanding of what drives profitability and results on global finance teams at JD Edwards (Software, 8 years) and Conoco (Oil and Gas, 5 years).

Master Of Education (M.Ed.) In Education & Hr Studies, Organizational Learning, Performance, And Change

Equine Experiential Education Facilitator

Ontological Coaching

Bachelor, Dual Major: Finance And Accounting