Vice President Human Resources in Las Vegas NV Resume Chris Higgins

CHRIS HIGGINS, SPHR Las Vegas, NV 89128 chig1@cox.
net (702) 561-1028 CAREER SUMMARY

Human Resources executive with extensive operations experience and impressive expertise in strategic planning & businessHR alignment, talent management and employee engagement. Highly regarded as an effective leader who blends HR proficiency with keen business acumen while building strong business relationships in both large and small organizations as well as non-profit. MBA recipient and SPHR certification. Career highlights: Progressively more responsible Human Resources leadership roles with $6.5B, 66,000 employee hospitality & entertainment organization; led the development and management of stand alone HR organization charged with supporting 2,000 headquarters and corporate staff across multiple locations; successfully implemented and managed company-wide initiatives including administering policies impacting 66,000 employees; led successful development and implementation of company-wide employee on-line communication resource. Partnered in the development and execution of strategic plans for Corporate Human Resources, HR Transformation, Culture Initiative, Diversity and Corporate Green Initiative. Strong hands-on hotel/retail operations expertise (including P&L responsibility) in both revenue and non-revenue producing departments; managed 200 union & non-union employees; led the successful opening of 744-room hotel tower addition.
EXPERIENCE
McClain Resources, Las Vegas, NV 2011-Present Independent Human Resources Consultant Provide human resources guidance and counsel to small businesses in the areas of employee relations, recruitment, organizational development, training and administration. College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV Division of Workforce and Economic Development Adjunct Instructor Design and facilitate management and leadership training classes for small businesses. 2011-Present
Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas, NV 2011 Interim Executive Director Managed the daily operations and provided human resources leadership for non-profit organization. Successfully chaired search committee to identify Executive Director candidates. MGM Resorts International (formerly MGM MIRAGE), Las Vegas, NV 1999-2010 Vice President Human Resources Corporate HR (2007-2010) Director of Human Resources Corporate HR (2005-2007) Director of Human Resources Corporate Retail Division (1999-2005) Human Resources executive for $6.5B, 66,000 employee hospitality & entertainment company with 15 properties spanning three (3) regionally geographic locations (Las Vegas, Mississippi, Michigan). Established and led HR organization supporting 2,000 corporate division employees/35 departments in employee relations, employee services, employee engagement & recognition, communications, training & development, employment, and FMLA and ADA administration. Achieved 90% favorable rating on employee feedback survey after 1st year of operation. Effectively led HR team comprised of Directors, Managers and Specialists including $6M budget responsibility. Administered company-wide policies including harassment and discrimination, conflict of interest, solicitation, internal job transfers, rehire/reinstatement, social media and employee gaming.
Resume Chris Higgins, SPHR (702) 561-1028
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EXPERIENCE (continued)
MGM Resorts International (formerly MGM MIRAGE), Las Vegas, NV 1999-2010 Instrumental in the development of Corporate HR, HR Transformation and Diversity strategic plans. In addition, effectively executed business strategies related to Total Rewards, Employee Engagement, Labor Relations/Union Avoidance, HR Compliance and Organizational Development. Member of management bargaining committee during labor contract negotiations activities/strategy sessions. Facilitated partnership with senior business leaders in the development and implementation of company-wide culture value survey, employee focus groups, analysis of results and strategies. Designed multiple department employee feedback surveys and partnered with department leaders in the development of action plans. Chief design architect of company-wide employee on-line communication resource, momentum, subsequently adopted by Corporate Public Affairs Department as a daily communication tool. Coached line operations and senior level leaders in performance management process. Led succession planning process for $190M dollar retail division. Developed and/or facilitated training & development classes in leadership, strategic planning, interpersonal skills, employee relations, guest service, diversity, interviewing skills, teamwork and New Hire Orientation. Managed 6 department consolidations, in partnership with operations and legal, impacting 500+ employees across multiple properties. Divisions included Accounting, Purchasing, Revenue Management, IT and Human Resources. Assisted in integration of HR functions of newly acquired properties resulting from Mandalay Bay Resorts acquisition. Full-Time MBA Graduate Student -- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 1997-1998
Harrahs Entertainment, Las Vegas, NV 1987-1997 Retail Operations Manager (1992-1997) Senior Training Specialist (1991-1992)* Executive Housekeeper (1987-1991) Managed $4.5M retail, box office and wedding chapel operations with responsibility for 50 staff achieving 60% increase in retail sales, 200% increase in retail operating income and 30% increase in box office ticket sales. Managed new store openings and capital refurbishment projects. Led the project team for opening of new wedding chapel. Project manager for retail point of sale/inventory and box office systems implementation. Consistently scored in top 5% in annual employee feedback survey. Designed and facilitated employee training programs in teamwork, customer service, and supervisory skills. Developed and implemented supervisor/employee recognition programs. Assisted managers in developing effective performance standards. Managed a 200-union member staff with responsibility for housekeeping operations of 1,725 rooms and public areas. Successfully increased productivity 13% while maintaining 94% guest satisfaction ratings. Managed opening of a 744-room hotel tower addition, which resulted in receiving Property Chairmans Award for Outstanding Performance. Implemented new computerized room assignment program. Partnered with Engineering and Laundry Operations to implement the first energy saving linen program in Las Vegas. *Position created by senior management to accommodate enrollment in MBA program.
EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / TRAINING

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Bachelor of Science (BS) -- Hotel Administration Senior Professional HR Certification (SPHR) University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Las Vegas Certified Trainer in Positive Leadership Practices
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS / COMMUNITY SERVICE

Board Member/Special Event Committee Chair/Member Habitat for Humanity, Las Vegas 2006 Present Leadership Las Vegas Graduate, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce 2007 Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) 2001 Present Southern Nevada Human Resources Association 2012

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CHRIS HIGGINS, SPHR Las Vegas, NV 89128 chig1@cox.

net (702) 561-1028 CAREER SUMMARY

Resume Chris Higgins, SPHR (702) 561-1028

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS / TRAINING

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS / COMMUNITY SERVICE

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