Human Resources Leader with extensive experience in all aspects of international human resource management in major, multi-site corporations, including strategy, talent management/acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, and acquisitions.
1. Rita Hernandez Figi
1840 W. Cortland St
Chicago, IL 60622
312 439-1855
ritafigi@yahoo.com
www.linkedin.com/in/rita-hernandez-figi-a767104
PROFILE
Human Resources Leader with extensive experience in all aspects of international human resource management in
major, multi-site corporations, including strategy, talent management/acquisition, employee relations, compensation,
benefits, and acquisitions. Known and appreciated for exceptional employee engagement skills and ability to mediate
very tense situations. Experienced in shepherding mergers and acquisition as well as taking companies from small to
very large. Excellent negotiation abilities. Mentor both employees and youths to high achievement. Bilingual
(Spanish/English). Core competencies:
Strategic Planning ▪ HR Management ▪ Talent Management ▪ Employee Engagement ▪ Employee Relations ▪
Compliance ▪ Total Rewards (Compensation, Benefits, Retirement) ▪ Dispute Resolution ▪ Consulting ▪ HRIS ▪
Training ▪ Negotiation ▪ Community Relations ▪ Cost Containment ▪ Mergers & Acquisitions ▪ Sourcing ▪
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA), Westchester, IL 2001 – 2017
IAA, the leading live and live-online salvage vehicle auction company, employs over 2,800 team members in more than
170 auction facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada. IAA is a business unit of KAR Auction Services (NYSE: KAR), a
FORTUNE 1000 global auto remarketing and technology services company.
Vice President, Human Resources
As a key member of the executive team, was responsible for strategic direction for all aspects of employee engagement,
human resource administration and talent acquisition. Developed and implemented company processes, procedures, and
guidelines relating to employee development, compensation, benefits, and immigration. Directed support and training of
Human Resource function for 14 international locations and 170 across the United States. Direct reports included the
Director of Employee Relations, a Manager of Human Resource Administration, a Manager of Talent Acquisition, and
the HR Manager for Canadian operations.
As a key member of Merger & Acquisition team responsible for new location onboarding and continued growth,
assisted in the rapid growth of company from 40 to 170 locations. Responsible for designing the strategic plan
for growth exceeding 400% in physical footprint throughout the US and Canada.
Key sponsor for a $3M project, the enterprise-wide conversion to Workday ERP system utilized throughout IAA
as well as the parent company, KAR Auction Services. Brought it in on time and under budget in 2017.
Integrated IAA into the new organization structure during merger with KAR in 2007.
Twice coordinated payroll system conversions and assisted in integrating all benefits, policies and procedures.
Successfully staffed affected facilities during catastrophes such as Katrina, Super Storm Sandy, hurricanes and
flooding events. Super Storm Sandy, e.g., brought in 60,000 additional cars and required over 100 employees a
day to man the yards and process vehicles over a period of six months.
The ServiceMaster Company, Downers Grove, IL 1998 – 2001
A provider of innovative supportive solutions to Healthcare, Education, and Business & Industry markets.
Director of Benefits -- ServiceMaster Management Services
Provided direction, guidance, and compliance with respect to retirement and health and welfare plans for over 16,000
employees. Managed the relocation process for approximately 500 annual moves for both national and international
relocating employees.
Led 18 month, $1.3M project for Health & Welfare enrollment that was rolled out in three languages and
covered seven different possible benefit plans; was initially used for open enrollment for 16,000 employees.
Designed and implemented benefit administration and automated voice response system.
2. Assessed & implemented enterprise-wide medical plan.
Negotiated new vendor contracts for dental and flexible spending accounts plans.
Member of the conversion and implementation team for enterprise-wide 401(k).
Safelite AutoGlass f/k/a/ Vistar AutoGlass/ Globe Glass & Mirror 1989 – 1998
Nation’s largest provider of auto glass repair and replacement.
Director, Benefits and Employee Relations (1997 – 1998)
Provided direction and guidance on employee/labor relations issues to 400+ locations, two inbound call centers and
headquarter locations. Managed and negotiated health & welfare and retirement plans, recruiting initiatives and
implementation of policies and procedures. Member of Merger Integration Task Force (during two separate mergers).
Director, Compensation and Human Resource Administration (1992 – 1997)
Directed EEO litigation, compensation programs, health & welfare and retirement programs, recruiting, and worker’s
compensation program. Implemented new human resource and payroll system that resulted in savings of $500,000 over
three year period.
Manager, Compensation and Benefits (1990 – 1991)
Implemented compensation program, including job descriptions, competitive pricing and salary structure. Centralized
and automated personnel records. Consolidated health benefit plans from eight regional insured plans to a national
managed care plan resulting in savings of $2,000,000.
Benefit Supervisor (1989 – 1990)
Responsible for administration and negotiation of retirement and health & welfare benefit plans.
CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
RHF Solutions, LLC, Chicago, IL 3/2017 – present
Human Resource Consultant
Currently assisting former employer, IAA, with their community engagement – American Heart Association, Cristo Rey
Jesuit High School network, and SkillsUSA. Also assisting a privately held company in establishing their compensation
program including job descriptions, salary grades, ranges, career pathing, and regulatory compliance.
SYSTEMS & SOFTWARE KNOWLEDGE: Microsoft Office, Apple product suite, ADP, PeopleSoft, Workday
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Member of HRMAC and SHRM
Member, Metro Chicago Board of Directors for the American Heart Association since 2012
Member, American Heart Association National Compensation, Benefits and HR Advisory Committee since 2011
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Have attended numerous workshops during my career, including Threat Assessment Academy Workshop, 2016. Led by
Larry Barton, Ph.D., a leading expert in workplace violence and featured on MSNBC and CNN.
3. OSHA 10 Certified
CEBS Program (completed 5 of 10 courses)
YMCA Community College (2 semesters)