Experience & Qualifications

 

EXPERIENCE

Appeals and Dispute Resolution
Arbitrate matters between parties; manage hearing proceedings and prepare awards.

Hear administrative appeals and grievances, perform fact finding as needed and write decisions.
Facilitate implementation of remedies.
Formulated strategy in civil service appeals, grievances, grievance arbitration, unfair labor practice and state and federal agency proceedings.

Mediated contract and negotiations disputes, and disciplinary appeals.

Labor-Management Relations
Perform peer review of research in labor-management relations, international HR & LR, and dispute resolution (current).
Liaison between management and labor for the full spectrum of collective bargaining.

Designed, planned and implemented labor relations policies, programs and practices.
Technical advisor for contract interpretation, administration and consistent application of labor and employment laws, policies and best practices.
Led and facilitated labor-management forums.

Contract Negotiations
Led development of labor negotiation strategies.

As chief spokesperson, negotiated initial and successor collective bargaining agreements for bargaining units across multiple disciplines.
Authored contract language. Analyzed proposals, costings and related data.
Developed and managed strategy for communications with internal and external stakeholders regarding organizing activity, contract negotiations and other labor relations matters as needed.
Developed strategy for and led decision and effects bargaining.
Developed and responded to requests for information. 

Employment Relations
Provided advice and direction on complex employee and labor relations matters.

Ensured consistent application of labor and employment laws, policy, and best practices.
Provided leadership for oversight of civil service practice, policies and operations.
Conduct workplace investigations, authored investigation reports and provided recommendations upon request. Oversaw the work of independent investigators.

Led, trained and oversaw the work of staff responsible for day-to-day administration of labor and employee relations functions.
Authored grievance responses, last chance agreements, letters of agreement, settlement agreements and memoranda of understanding.
Developed and delivered labor relations training for management and labor, from basic through advanced levels.


PUBLICATIONS

Labor-Management Relations: A Handbook for Labor Relations Professionals (2021)

The 7 Tests of Just Cause: Arbitral Standard or Labor-Management Tool? (2016)


QUALIFICATIONS
Masters, Public Administration (MPA)

Business Management & Labor Law, City University, Tacoma, WA

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
Business Administration, Human Resources Management, City University, Tacoma, WA

Bachelor of Arts (inc.)
International Studies, York University, Toronto, CA

Federal Sector Arbitration Certification — FMCS, 2020
Advanced Labor Arbitrator Certification — AAA, 2019
Advanced Arbitrator Training — FINRA, 2017
Arbitrator Certification — FINRA, 2016
Becoming a Labor Arbitrator Certification — FMCS, 2015
Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) — NPELRA, 2015
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) — HRCI, 2013
Labor-Management Negotiations Workshop — FMCS, 2012
Mediator Certification — King County ILCRG, 2010
Professional in Human Resources (PHR) — HRCI, 2005


EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
Labor Arbitrator, Private Practice — 2017 to present
Principal, Sound Labor Solutions — 2017 to present
Labor Relations Program Manager, Puget Sound Energy — 2016 to 2017
Public Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority — 2016 to present
Labor Negotiator, City of Seattle — 2014 to 2016
Labor Relations Advisor, Seattle Public Utilities — 2007 to 2014
Senior HR Specialist, Seattle Human Services Department — 2006 to 2007
Human Resources Manager, The Home Depot — 2005 to 2006
Program/Project Manager, King County — 2001 to 2005
Human Resources Officer, National Petroleum Marketing Co. — 1994 to 1998