Renee S.

Associate Director-Employee Experience

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Top Advice

"Let your authenticity come through. Show us who you are and how your values align with ours. NMU looks for individuals who bring both skill and passion to their work. Take time to learn about NMU’s mission, core values and culture. Ask questions! People at NMU are open, caring and willing to help in so many ways."

Career path

Northern Michigan University

Associate Director-Employee Experience

From Jul 2021 to Present

July 2021 I was promoted into an Associate Director, Employee & Labor Relations position. It has since evolved into the current title of Associate Director-Employee Experience. This title more accurately reflects my role in the full lifecycle of an employee. I still focus much of my time building and bolstering relationships with staff and union leaders, working through and within the confines of a multitude of labor contracts. However, I take pride in working with onboarding, performance management, training and development, and recognition.

Northern Michigan University

Assistant Director-Employee & Labor Relations

From Sep 2015 to Jun 2021

I was promoted to Associate Director in July 2021. My focus was in labor relations to whole life-cycle employee experience. I was primarily responsible for facilitating and managing the resolution of employment and union concerns and grievances, administering human resources policies and procedures, and effectively interpreting multiple collective bargaining agreements. I also supported recognition, performance management, training and development, and retention.

Bell Hospital - LifePoint

HR Generalist

From Sep 2011 to Sep 2015

As the HR Generalist at Bell Hospital, I served as a primary point of contact for employees and leaders on HR questions, concerns, and policy and contract interpretation. I addressed workplace issues, conducted investigations, and supported conflict resolution. I also had the responsibility to review payroll records, administer leaves of absence, and manage performance review processes. I also maintained HRIS data and ensured accuracy of employee records.

Vi, formally Classic Residence by Hyatt

Employee Relations Specialist

From Dec 2007 to Sep 2011

I had the opportunity to grow at Vi. I was the Human Resources Coordinator for 1.5 years, the corporate office Human Resources Manager for 1.5 years and the company Employee Relations Specialist for the last year of time there. As the Employee Relations Specialist, I provided Human Resources guidance to Vi’s nationwide HR team with an emphasis on building and enhancing the company’s employee relations practices, policies and strategic initiatives. I was responsible for the HR communications strategy to enhance and improve overall communication. The role included: investigating employee complaints, administration of the employee complaint hotline, providing HR analytics to corporate team members, conducting executive level exit interviews, conducting HR audits at community sites and aiding in communication of safety programs, OSHA and workers compensation.

About Renee S.

Key Experience

My career has allowed me to learn and lead in all aspects of human resources. I started as a HR Coordinator. Through my career growth I had promotional opportunities to become an HR Generalist, HR Manager, Employee Relations Specialist and most recently my roles as Assistant Director to Associate Director, specializing in labor relations and the employee experience. I have worked in senior living, healthcare, and higher ed industries. My career has been enriching and I am passionate about the employee experience at all levels.

Current Position

As the Associate Director of Employee Experience at NMU, I work with leaders and employees to identify and deliver programs that support the employee experience through engagement, recognition, development, and retention while supporting University values and culture. I am responsible for facilitating and managing the resolution of employment and union concerns and grievances, administering human resources policies and procedures, and effectively interpreting multiple collective bargaining agreements. I also oversee the performance management process, staff recognition experiences and programs, assessing and recommending work environment improvements, manage the employee ADA accommodation process.

Main Motivation

Choosing where to work is about more than finding a job — it’s about finding a place where you can belong, grow, and make a difference. At Northern Michigan University, I've found all three. NMU is a community of dedicated professionals who share a common purpose: supporting student success and strengthening the experience for everyone who works, learns and lives here. Our employees bring their skills, ideas, and individuality to a workplace that values collaboration, innovation, and care. Located in the beautiful Upper Peninsula, NMU also offers a lifestyle that balances meaningful work with the natural beauty of the region. I've found NMU is a place where you can build a rewarding career while enjoying a strong sense of community and purpose.

Top Advice

Let your authenticity come through. Show us who you are and how your values align with ours. NMU looks for individuals who bring both skill and passion to their work. Take time to learn about NMU’s mission, core values and culture. Ask questions! People at NMU are open, caring and willing to help in so many ways.

Greatest Achievement

I’ve grown both personally and professionally at NMU thanks to a supportive team and opportunities to learn, lead, and connect. I have been afforded autonomy in how I approach my work. I’ve built strong relationships across campus and the community. Most importantly, I feel my contributions truly matter here. Due to my connections from NMU and the greater HR community I was elected into the UPHRA Board in 2022 and was nominated for SHRM Michigan's Volunteer of the Year in 2024 and 2025.