Brett
Appleberg
Human Resources Executive, SHRM-SCP
​​​I am a dynamic and results-driven Human Resources executive with over 25 years of experience in global Fortune 100 corporations. I have proven expertise in leading HR functions for employee populations ranging from 1,000 to 100,000.
As a strategic partner and advisor to C-suite leaders, I am recognized for elevating talent, developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. I am adept at driving performance, optimizing engagement, and delivering measurable business outcomes through innovative HR solutions.
Over time, I have learned to lead with conviction, transparency, and integrity. I consider myself a humble leader who is strong in my principles and considerate in my approach, allowing me to successfully navigate organizations and communicate effectively with both C-suite executives and front-line employees.
I have had the privilege of working in remote, hybrid and on-site roles all across the U.S., from Silicon Valley to the Carolinas. I am now seeking a new senior leadership opportunity to continue to innovate, impact organizational effectiveness and influence the direction of a company and its people.
EXPERTISE
HR FUNCTIONAL YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Organizational Development
22 years
Merger & Acquisitions
11 years
HR Strategy & Innovation
22 years
Total Rewards & Compensation
9 years
Global Workforce Management
9 years
Board & C-Suite Level Influence
16 years
Performance Management
23 years
Continuous Improvement
21 years
Brand Protection & Risk Management
24 years
Talent Acquisition
24 years
Employee & Labor Relations
23 years
Workforce Planning
24 years
Oversee HR
Direct Reports
23 years
HRIS Systems - Vendor Selection, Design & Integration
15 years
Outsourcing - Legal (LPO), Business (BPO), & Offshore
8 years
WORK HISTORY
2023 - 2024
Marshall Medical Center
Placerville, CA
Chief Human Resources Officer
C-Suite partner and people leader for the regional hospital and healthcare system leading the strategic planning, HR operations, L&D and talent functions. Provided data-driven insights on human capital impact and leadership development that resulted in process improvement and transformational change, increased engagement, retention, and managerial accountability.
Redesigned the organization’s entire compensation structure, including executive and employee salary bands, tiering, bonus plans and communication strategy. Achieved $1M in salary savings and $200k through improved efficiency in reorganization efforts.
2019 - 2023
GoHealth Corporation
Charlotte, NC
Vice President, Human Resources
Engage, coach, advise C-Suite leadership, cross functional stakeholders and my HR field team to drive HR initiatives, process improvement, forecasting, actioning talent and implement policies and initiatives.
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Transformed and re-organized People & Culture for the leading health and Medicare sales company.
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Developed a company-wide compensation tiering and competency structure.
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Successfully led my department through an (IPO) initial public offering; exponential headcount growth of 188% YOY; geographic expansion into 40 new U.S. markets and navigated ever-changing Covid-19 strategies.
Created a culture-shifting P-factor management analysis and performance measurement tool.
2015 - 2018
Sysco Corporation
San Francisco, CA
Vice President, Human Resources​
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Implemented change initiatives, talent management talent acquisition, headcount, and scorecard metrics. Directed workforce planning and design, performance management, management and executive compensation, equity, and incentive-based pay structures.
Initiated kaizen process-improvement events, created performance boards and 5S lean manufacturing processes for transparency and team cohesion.
San Francisco, CA
2013 - 2015
Gate Gourmet Corporation
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Director, Human Resources
Senior Leader; accountable for audits, compliance and 8 direct reports.​
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Responsible for 80 management and 950 employees for $97M airline catering facility. Also served as liaison to the San Francisco Airport and Transportation Security Administration.
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Utilized HRIS systems such as SuccessFactors and Taleo for talent tracking, compensation and performance development.
2007 - 2013
Aramark Corporation
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Regional Human Resource Manager
Created operational and human capital plans supporting the execution of food service and facilities for over 5,000 employees, 215 field managers, 7 District Managers, 3 Operational Vice Presidents and the Divisional Vice President. Supported education, automotive, energy, aerospace and key global accounts.
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Provided strategic support to global HR teams across Spain, France, and the Philippines, driving process efficiency and mentoring managers to boost performance. Facilitated talent exchange and ensured legal compliance in expatriate management.
Chicago, IL
1997 - 2003
McDonald's Corporation
Chicago, IL | New York, NY | Salt Lake City, UT
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Manager, Human Resources
(2002 Winter Olympic Games)
Led a team of 400 elite international employees in providing intense, high pressure, 24/7 food service to over 5000 athletes, officials and dignitaries at the Olympic's villages.
​HR Benefits Consultant
Supervised team of 17 benefits specialists in a shared-service centralized call center. Responsible for all metrics, measurements and benchmarks.
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Facilitated company-wide $25M educational assistance program, all company leaves and insurance claims for approximately 150,000 U.S. based employees.
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HR Regional Consultant & Recruiter
Led HR contact for 32 corporate-owned restaurants with $82M in revenue and approximately 4,200 employees and 85 managers. Reduced restaurant turnover by 25% in successive years.
2003 - 2007
US Foods Corporation
Chicago, IL | Las Vegas, NV | Atlantic City, NJ
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Vice President, Human Resources
Built the HR team from the ground up. Led the Human Resource function including HR Managers, Talent Acquisition, Safety, Labor Relations and Customer Service for the $165M packaging and distribution facility.
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Re-engineered the sales commission incentive structure and management STI/LTI incentive and equity programs.
TRAINING & AWARDS
Certifications
SHRM-SCP,
Senior Certified Professional
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Organizational Management Certificate, DePaul University​
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SHRM - Human Resource Management
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Targeted Selection - Recruitment Selection processes
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FMLA administration, Council on Education Management
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COBRA administration, COBRA Compliance Systems
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Advanced Conflict Mediation, Odyssey Seminars
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Change Management Sysco Corporation
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DiSC Profile - Behavioral Traits
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Partnering for Results, Consultation Techniques Training Course
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Senn Delaney Personal Achievement Leadership Seminar
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Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Covey Seminar
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Advanced Leadership Development Program, ARAMARK Corporation
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HRDS, Human Resources Development System – McDonald’s Corporation
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Awards
Affiliations & Community
TESTIMONIALS
"Brett not only handled the details of HR in a multi-union environment but was instrumental in guiding the development of training programs with full documentation and support which encompassed safety, salaried and hourly developmental programs, and HR basics. In addition, development of job definitions, attendance and pay policies assisted the company in enhancing our profit performance. I highly recommend Brett for both his attention to details and his ability to conceptualize and implement new programs to drive companies forward."
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​
David Mears
President/Owner
AD Hawk Inc.
PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD Talent Management & Employee Retention
Aramark Corporation
PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD Advancing Employee Investment & Growth
Aramark Corporation
Top 1% | Eagle Award
Corporate HR Department
McDonald’s Corporation
TEAM AWARD
HR-e-Source Project
Corporate HR Department
McDonald’s Corporation
1998 – present
Professional Member
Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)
1986 – present
Certified Instructor - Black Belt
World Isshinryu Karate Association | Okinawa, Japan
1999 – 2001
Instructor - Black Belt
Champion Youth – Tai Kwon Do
1999 – present
Volunteer & Financial Support
Ronald McDonald’s Children’s Charities | Event staff|
1986 – present
Volunteer
Make-A-Wish | Regional Events
2009 – 2010
Executive Board Member
Family Shelter Services | Wheaton, IL
ABOUT ME
I have never been the type of HR leader to sit behind a desk. I have always strived to do three things as an HR leader: learn the business; engage with the people who make it successful and work tirelessly to support what’s important to them. I am inherently biased towards action, leading change and making things better when you leave it. I believe that my experience transcends industries and I have proven I can perform in any type of business. I have been known to be a compassionate and effective leader.
I was raised to give generously to others in need, pay it forward and take every opportunity to teach, mentor and develop leaders through my work. I am a man of faith who loves family; admittedly possesses a corny sense of humor; tries to be witty; appreciate life and those placed along your path but am always respectful and sincere in my efforts.
Personally, I have never passed an empty dance floor that I didn't introduce myself to. I've also been known to lead Dance Party Fridays. I have a passion to tirelessly serve charities and causes that support children and the prevention of domestic abuse. I am a certified black belt in karate and have taught thousands of people through self defense and awareness classes in schools and colleges over the last 30 years. Finally, I am an accomplished collector of various sports memorabilia. As a hobby, I appreciate the unique stories behind each piece and its historical significance.
MEET
MY
BETTER HALF
MY
BETTER HALF
THE LOVE OF MY LIFE
MEET
MY
PUPPIES
MY
PUPPIES
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CINNAMON (L) & LUNA (R)
MEET
MY
HOBBY
MY
HOBBY
SPORTS MEMORABILIA
MY
FAVORITE
PROVERB
“If you don’t climb the mountain...
​
You will never see the view.”
---
Shihan Dale Jenkins
BEST
ADVICE
RECEIVED
BEST
ADVICE
RECEIVED
Early in my career, I was told that I have two choices in life...
​
​
I could be a passenger on a plane and trust that someone will get you to your destination.
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Or, I could be a pilot — the kind of person who puts in the hard work, thoroughly studies aviation, and learns every detail about the plane and its controls. I’d understand exactly how it takes off and lands safely, ensuring success time and time again.
I chose to be a pilot.
FUN FACTS
ABOUT ME
FUN FACTS
ABOUT ME
I owned a dojo and taught karate for ages 5 to 85.
​​​​
I taught breakdancing classes for 5 years.
​​​​
I often apply to be on
game / trivia shows.
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I've played fantasy baseball for 25 years but haven't won yet!