Cornelius Leon Thomas, PhD., leonthomas9@mchsi.

com

Cornelius Leon Thomas, MBA, PhD.,

Harvest, AL 35749
256-859-6163 (Home) 256-714-5889 (Cell) leonthomas9@mchsi.com
URL www.linkedin.com/in/corneliusleonthomas

SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL

Proactive, results-focused senior leader with an MBA in Human Resources Management, and a PhD in Organizationan and
Management. Have obtained a decade of experience driving robust Human Resources organizations in both hands-on and
strategic roles. Instrumental in creating a positive, professional environment where productivity and performance are
recognized and rewarded develops and promotes strong managers by providing coaching and support that boosts confidence
and success. Experienced in driving an organizations learning and development needs and improving the performance of the
organizations supervisors. Innovative thinker and organizational expert with the ability to assess issues and develop innovative
solutions to meet both immediate needs and long-term goals.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Senior-level Human Resources Management Organizational Development Program Management Best Practices
Employee Relations Recruiting & Hiring Team Training & Development Succession Planning Leadership Development
Performance Management Conflict Resolution Compensation & Benefits Strategic Planning Investigations

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Crystal Clear Designs LLC.

2000-PRESENT

CO-OWNER/SR. MANAGER
Oversees and coordinates all real estate management, maintenance, development, and construction activities associated with
the business overall projects. Responsible for securing financing, payroll and interviewing, hiring and supervising employees
and subcontractors. Identifies potential tenants, evaluates need, and shows space as appropriate. Schedules and coordinates
meetings with city inspectors and HUD personnel.
Highly skilled in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
Responsible for all Human resources activities, training, hiring, employee relations and payroll
Established track record in improving return on invested capital.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Excellent project planning skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively
with a range of contractors, financial institutions and employees
Ability to develop bid specifications and evaluate bids from contractors.
Excellent ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
Knowledge of contract documents and specifications.

The Home Depot

2000-2010

DISTRICT HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER Associate Development (2008-2010)

Spearheaded key employee-focused programs staffing, training, performance management, and associate relations to
support organizational effectiveness across district with 900 employees and 8 facilities bringing in $200M sales/year. Drive
consistency and high standards by guiding and teaming with leaders on implementing HR best practices and policies. consulted
district managers in handling complex performance issues, and responded to questions regarding employee relations and HR
procedures. In addition, handled district manager investigations as well as handled associates calls. Supervised district training
center as well as the districts talent development stratagies. Reviewed and approved termination decisions and involved
indistrict unemployment hearings.
Reduced employer turnover by more than 12% by proactively promoting improved employee relations and communication
and offering training to boost skills and knowledge.
Optimized success and productivity of new employees in their first 90 days of service by making strategic
improvements to districts on-boarding process.

Cornelius Leon Thomas, PhD., leonthomas9@mchsi.com

Drove effort to improve investigations and reduce EEO and employment charges by providing guidance to managers.
Boosted number of hourly associates promoted to salaried manager roles, and assistant managers to store managers,
through supervision of a robust district succession planning process.
Significantly improved managerial-level knowledge and capabilities through expert direction of a district training center
that educated leaders on key intricacies of HR, employee relations, and employment laws. Synchronized district training
strategies with those of the larger corporation.
Responsible for district recruitment and forecasting district staffing needs.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER (2000-2008)
Played lead role in success of $37M store with 130+ employees orchestrated and delivered training to new associates to
acclimate them to the Home Depot environment, and to existing staff to boost skills. Planned schedules and assigned work to
ensure optimal coverage, and directed employee appraisals system to monitor performance. Managed key insurance-related
matters, including FMLA process, workers compensation, and unemployment.
Encouraged top performance through establishment of an employee relations system that rewarded results, while also
mediating disputes, settling grievances, and implementing solutions to problems.
In key role as District Captain for Human Resources introduced leadership training and coaching/development of HR
professionals. Entrusted to identify, test, and interview salary managers.
Captured recognition for most supervisor promotions (salaried and hourly) in the district by identifying/developing talent
and overseeing succession planning.
Achieved lowest turnover rate in district through strategic efforts (employee recognition, training, staff relations) that
enhance morale and job satisfaction.
New Futures Huntsville, Alabama

1999-2000

JOB TRAINING COORDINATOR

Drove delivery of critical Adult Education and Like Skills training through leadership of New Futures Job Training Program.
Recruited, screened and interviewed prospective students to determined their level of placement in program.
Optimized potential success of students by forging and developing strong relationships with businesses to coordinate job
placement.
Three Springs of Madison Madison, Alabama

1996-1999

PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Piloted all aspects of operations spending, strategy development, and oversight of staff and activities for nationally
recognized youth services organization. Coordinated hiring and training, managed disciplinary actions and terminations, and
directed the performance management process. Led workshops and training for fellow facility leaders and supervisors.
Maximized limited financial resources through ongoing review of budget compliance for all expenditures and salaries.
Continuously sought and implemented new procedures and systems to boost efficiency and utilization of assets.
Raised motivation and productivity through strategic evaluation of underperforming facilities delivered
recommendations for improvement.

EDUCATION
PhD in Organization & Management/Human Resource Management- Capella University
MBA in Human Resource Management Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Alabama
BS in Organizational Management Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama

CERTIFICATIONS & AFFILIATIONS

President-National Pine Forge Academy Alumni Association
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
Certificate in Mediation/Conflict Management
Society for Human Resource Management
Toastmasters International
Community Mediation Center and Better Business Bureau