DOREEN J.

VAN GORP, (CHT)

1240 Stillwater Parkway * Crown Point, IN 46307
Home (219) 662-9116 * * Cell: (219) 775-0767
Linked in: http://linkedin.com/in/doreenvangorp
QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY
Results driven Human Resources professional with over 15 years experience increa
sing efficiency throughout organizations. Possesses exceptional leadership skill
s and a record of success in executing human resources strategy across multiple
locations, creating consistency in policy administration, and decreasing organiz
ational liability. Proven expertise in instructional design; creating and conduc
ting training at all levels. Coaches management on employee relations and provid
es project management oversight for improvement initiatives.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Human Resources * Training * Union Negotiation * Grievances * Union Avoidance *
Benefits * Worker's Compensation * Payroll * Communication * Compliance * Recogn
ition * Non-profit * Office XP * ADP * Paychex * Training Management * Seagate/C
rystal * Report Writer
EXPERIENCE
KOKUA HOSPITALITY AT THE ALLERTON HOTEL, Chicago, IL 2007-2009
AREA HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Represented a new management company in the creation of a start-up human resourc
es department at an independent hotel with regional responsibility for three loc
ations in Chicago. Administered benefits including 401k, worker's compensation,
medical and dental; developed, implemented and managed policies and procedures.
* Developed and conducted management training; introduced "Commitment to Excell
ence" and Allerton Experience programs.
* Negotiated union contract and grievances; gained credibility with stewards an
d reduced grievances by 80%.
* Counseled employees for performance improvement and appropriate disciplinary
action in a union environment.
* Instituted employee recognition events; resulted in increased morale and serv
ice excellence.
* Achieved 90 % favorable decision for unemployment claims.
THE TALBOTT HOTEL, Chicago, IL 2005-2007
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Oversaw human resources function at an independent hotel. Developed and implemen
ted policies and procedures
* Utilized operations experience to recognize and quickly resolve issues prior
to escalation.
* Handled benefits administration; created a new benefits structure resulting i
n saving 17% of budget.
* Conscientious leader; actively created an environment promoting employee sati
sfaction through recognition, special events, and fair and equitable treatment;
resulted in keeping the hotel in a non-union position.
* Trained employed in customer service skills; counseled in the areas of perfor
mance improvement and discipline; resulted in increased guest service score.
FAMILY EXPRESS CORPORATION, Valparaiso, IN 2003-2004
HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Managed 43 convenience store and fuel locations. Handled payroll, administered b
enefits, developed and implemented policies and procedures for all locations and
visited each for compliance.
* Utilized collaborative skills to build relationships, and gain respect and cr
edibility with each location throughout the state of Indiana.
* Added participative elements to improve employee training; planned employee r
ecognition and special events; resulted increased employee and customer satisfac
tion and reduced turnover from 83% to 49% in 8 months.
EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)
HOSTMARK HOSPITALITY GROUP, Schaumburg, IL 1999-2002
CORPORATE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Responsible for human resources projects and implementation for a hotel manageme
nt company. Established relationships and consulted with over 40 hotels on disci
plinary, legal and training issues; assisted in payroll for 4000 associates; neg
otiated union contracts and grievances.
* Redesigned and wrote human resources, medical, and 401k administration manual
s.
* Participated on transition team; facilitated 15 hotel takeovers within one we
ek.
* Employed payroll conversion experience; project manager with HR and payroll a
ccountability for year 2000 compliance conversion; utilized expertise to handle
a subsequent conversion due to inadequacy of the newly chosen system to accompli
sh required objectives.
BULKMATIC TRANSPORT COMPANY, Griffith, IN 1997-1998
TRAINING MANAGER
Directed a staff of over 30 trainers at the largest dry bulk transportation carr
ier in the US.
* Redesigned Bulkmatic University; improved new hire and continuing education.
* Performed instructional design, including needs analysis, for new and redesig
ned courses; resulted in greater appeal and effectiveness of instruction, and en
hanced learning.
* Led group and one-on-one training sessions as Trainer/Facilitator; coordinate
d training for four regional training center sites; project manager in the creat
ion of a written driver training program for new drivers.
* Utilized technology to communicate information; researched, developed, and pr
esented an administrative manual via the organization's intranet; researched, re
commended and installed a training software package.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CHICAGO, Chicago, IL 1986-1998
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES (1993-1998)
HUMAN RESOURCES/TRAINING MANAGER (1990-1993)
VARIOUS OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT POSITIONS - HOUSEKEEPING (1986-1990)
Instrumental in creating efficiency and improvements in the human resources depa
rtment. Handled various functional duties including benefits administration, wor
ker's compensation, recruitment, employee counseling, recognition and motivation
. Edited employee newsletter; point person for unemployment administration.
* Evaluated benefits services and streamlined offerings; reduced benefit cost 2
0%.
* Efficiently handled unemployment claims; ensured proper notification and proc
edural follow through; achieved a 92% favorable decision rate.
* Project manager; oversaw implementation and revision of corporate training pr
ogram.
* Conducted negotiations with four unions, including Hotel and Restaurant, Laun
dry and Dry Cleaners, and several Carpenter and Electrician unions; handled unio
n grievances.
 * Prepared managerial reports summarizing accident analysis, turnover, and rete
ntion.
NEW ERA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS, Crown Point, IN 1998-present
SOLE PROPRIETOR
Performed a variety of consulting, technical and human resources-related project
s for clients. Installed computer software programs, conducted training in areas
including Customer Service, Diversity, Team Building, and Leadership and wrote
employee handbooks, policies, procedures and best practices.
EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE; HOTEL RESTAURANT & INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT * PURDUE UNIVE
RSITY
CERTIFIED HOSPITALITY TRAINER (CHT) * Illinois and Indiana Food Sanitation Certi
fied
AFFILIATIONS * Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers * President - Board of D
irectors, KV Works, Valparaiso, IN *Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM
)