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Professional Summary

 

Senior Workplace Investigator & Employee Relations Specialist with 20+ years of experience leading complex, high‑volume investigations and resolving sensitive employee issues across regulated, multi‑site environments. Known for conducting thorough, unbiased investigations; producing clear findings reports; and guiding leaders through high‑risk decisions with sound judgment and compliance rigor. Skilled in employee relations strategy—coaching managers, reducing conflict, improving documentation practices, and strengthening organizational trust. Recognized for balancing investigative precision with a people‑centered approach that de‑escalates issues early, protects organizational integrity, and improves culture and risk exposure.

 

Professional Experience

 

Capital Caring Health (Affiliate of Chapters Health System)

Senior Human Resources Generalist (Employee Relations, Investigations & Talent Acquisition)
Falls Church, VA | April 2022 – March 2026

 

Supported a multi‑site, regulated healthcare organization through a full‑scope HR role blending employee relations, workplace investigations, talent acquisition, and generalist responsibilities. Provided high‑judgment guidance to clinical and administrative leaders, resolved sensitive employee issues, and strengthened compliance across the employee lifecycle. Built trusted partnerships across HR, Legal, and Operations to improve documentation practices, reduce risk, and enhance workforce stability.

 

Key Contributions

  • Led investigations involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, misconduct, and policy violations, producing clear findings reports and guiding leaders through corrective action decisions.

  • Resolved complex ER matters and coached managers through performance, behavior, and documentation issues, improving consistency and reducing escalations.

  • Managed HR generalist responsibilities including onboarding, employee lifecycle support, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, and multi‑site compliance coordination.

  • Recruited for high‑volume clinical and hospice roles, ensuring credentialing accuracy and reducing early‑stage turnover through improved selection and hiring practices.

  • Strengthened employee experience through proactive support, early intervention, and clear communication that improved team stability and reduced repeat concerns.

  • Built strong cross‑functional relationships with clinical and administrative leaders, improving communication, trust, and alignment across the organization.

 

The Jane Goodall Institute

Executive Assistant to COO & Interim Executive Director
Vienna, VA | November 2019 – August 2021

 

Supported the COO and Interim Executive Director through high‑judgment executive operations, strategic communication, and cross‑functional coordination. Oversaw mission‑critical workflows that supported executive decision‑making and promoted alignment among international teams and stakeholders.

 

 

Key Contributions

  • Managed complex executive calendars, high‑stakes meeting logistics, and cross‑functional communications supporting global initiatives.

  • Coordinated international travel, visas, and partnership engagements aligned with programmatic goals and donor expectations.

  • Prepared strategic presentations, briefing materials, and board‑level reports that enhanced executive decision‑making and stakeholder engagement.

  • Served as a trusted liaison between leadership, staff, and external partners, ensuring clarity, alignment, and timely execution of initiatives.

  • Mentored junior staff to cultivate a collaborative, mission‑driven environment, improving team performance and morale.

  • Maintained confidentiality and exercised sound judgment in handling sensitive information.

 

Smart Choice Web Designs, LLC

Founder & Principal Consultant
Fairfax, VA | September 2018 – November 2019

 

Built and led a consulting practice specializing in web strategy, digital presence, and client experience optimization for small businesses and mission‑driven organizations.

 

Key Contributions

  • Defined business strategy, service offerings, and pricing models that increased revenue by 30% within the first year.

  • Led a cross‑functional team of designers and developers, managing project timelines, budgets, and quality control for 50+ web projects.

  • Built and maintained strategic partnerships and client relationships, achieving a 95% client satisfaction rate.

  • Developed brand identity guidelines and executed digital marketing campaigns that expanded market presence.

  • Strengthened operational processes, documentation, and workflow systems to improve efficiency and accountability.

 

Federal Express Corporation (Mid‑Atlantic District)

Assistant Managing Director III (HR Generalist & Employee Relations Specialist)
Dulles, VA | August 2004 – September 2018

 

Primary HR contact for a 1,200‑employee, multi‑site, safety‑sensitive operation. Led high‑risk workplace investigations, supported FAA‑regulated compliance processes, and partnered with legal, safety, and operational leadership to ensure consistent, defensible HR practices.

 

Key Contributions

  • Conducted investigations into misconduct, safety incidents, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and policy breaches, ensuring findings met FAA regulatory standards and federal labor laws.

  • Collaborated with Legal, Compliance, and Operations to manage high‑risk cases aligned with corporate and regulatory requirements.

  • Prepared detailed investigation reports with recommendations for corrective actions, resulting in consistent disciplinary outcomes and reduced repeat incidents.

  • Designed and delivered training on workplace conduct, leadership expectations, documentation, and compliance topics.

  • Managed performance review cycles and coached supervisors on documentation and corrective action, contributing to a 15% increase in new‑hire retention.

  • Supported multi‑site HR operations including onboarding, employee relations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation across a fast‑paced, 24/7 logistics environment.

 

Core Competencies

 

  • Workplace Investigations

  • Employee Relations Strategy

  • Interviewing (Witness, Complainant, Respondent)

  • Findings Reports & Documentation

  • Conflict Resolution

  • Policy Interpretation

  • Compliance & Risk Mitigation

  • Manager Coaching

  • Case Management

  • Performance Management Support

  • Regulatory Compliance (FAA, Healthcare, Labor Standards)

  • Training & Facilitation

 

Education

 

  • Associate of Applied Science, Business Administration Management
    WV Career College — Wheeling, WV

 

Professional Memberships

 

  • SHRM — Workplace Investigations Specialty Credential (In Progress)

  • Capital Caring Health Employee Ambassador Council (HR Representative)


Contact information below:
 

571-289-0549 essroberts9@gmail.com
Herndon, Virginia 20171

© 2026 by E. Susan Smith-Roberts 

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