Katherine Kusske

Katie Kusske -• - www.linkedin.com/in/katie-kusske-• Solvang, CA HR professional with expertise in employee and labor relations, workplace investigations, compliance, and performance management. Proven ability to conduct complex investigations, provide strategic HR consulting, and support regulatory compliance in a matrixed organization. Adept at partnering with business leaders to foster a compliant and equitable workplace culture. Core Skills & Competencies Employee & Labor Relations Investigations Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Compliance Risk Assessment & Conflict Resolution Employment Law & Regulatory Compliance Performance Management & HR Consulting Leadership & Employee Training Workplace Policy Development Stakeholder Engagement & Business Strategy Case Management & Reporting Systems Data Analysis & HR Metrics Professional Experience Starbucks Coffee Company |- Partner Relations Consultant Managed complex employee relations cases, including high-risk workplace investigations and compliance matters. Conducted investigations into employee misconduct, EEO violations, and workplace conflicts, ensuring legal and policy adherence. Advised HR business partners on risk mitigation, performance management, and employment law compliance. Developed and facilitated training programs on HR best practices and workplace investigations. Medtronic | 2017 – 2023 Principal Employee Relations Partner, Global Investigator Conducted complex global workplace investigations, including EEO, discrimination, and harassment cases. Partnered with legal, compliance, and HR leaders to drive strategic solutions to employee relations challenges. Provided expert consultation on performance management, disciplinary actions, and policy interpretation. Developed training materials and delivered sessions to enhance HR and leadership skills in workplace investigations. Medtronic | 2016 – 2017 Principal Employee Relations Partner, Diabetes Led investigations into workplace disputes and policy violations, recommending corrective actions. Provided guidance to leadership on employee relations strategies and risk management. Assisted in workforce planning, including organizational restructuring and reductions-in-force. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center | 2014 – 2016 Senior HR Consultant Provided expert HR consultation to leadership on employee relations, terminations, and policy compliance. Conducted HR investigations, ensuring adherence to legal and organizational standards. Designed and facilitated HR training programs to improve compliance and organizational effectiveness. Education & Certifications Bachelor of Arts in Psychology California State University, Long Beach Certifications Association of Workplace Investigators Certificate Holder Dispute Resolution Program Act (DRPA) Certificate Professional Development & Training Experience Designed and delivered training programs on HR best practices, workplace investigations, and compliance. Taught at two professional institutes, educating HR professionals and investigators. Developed Standard Work policies and best practices for employee relations case management. Technical Skills HR Case Management Systems (Workday, PeopleSoft, EthicsPoint) Data Analytics & Reporting Tools Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) Remote Investigation & HRIS Systems