JOANNA COPELAND HR manager, Citadel Group
JESSICA WONG
HR business partner, Hollard Insurance
Remuneration is definitely one of the top concerns of employees and employers alike, and Jessica Wong is doing it right by focusing on this particular aspect of HR. When she started working as an HR coordinator, Wong managed two payroll systems along with the company’s remuneration and bonus review. She has since streamlined these processes, which has significantly improved efficiency and transparency. She was then appointed as project lead for a new system, which she managed adeptly despite minimal experience. Other than managing payroll systems, she has also contributed to other initiatives, such as the company’s graduate program and career pathways. On top of performing her regular duties, Wong further demonstrated her initiative when she volunteered to help the claims department in the aftermath of a recent insurance catastrophe. It’s no wonder she received a ‘Hoscar’, the highest accolade given by the company.
Jo Copeland has been in the HR field for nine years and now has a strong generalist background and consulting and management experience in various industries. She has been actively involved in major organisational restructures, offering creative ideas to improve cost-effectiveness as well as flexibility and adaptability of management. Copeland demonstrates a strong understanding of Fair Work Australia, the Work Health and Safety Act, and employment and industrial relations, and she has proven her ability by advising on legislative/award interpretation and handling complex compensation issues. Outside the office, Copeland is actively involved in the Australian Human Resource Institute’s various groups and programs, such as serving as a member of the NSW Council and an associate on the ACT Council, and taking part in the mentoring program and working with NSW Young Professionals.
JONATHON LYNCH Senior consultant, Wrest Point
After finishing a combined business/law degree, majoring in human resource management, Jonathon Lynch joined Wrest Point, Hobart’s casino hotel, in 2013. He was quickly promoted to senior consultant for employee relations and injury management, with the latter built from scratch. He has worked on a number of fit-for-purpose training programs for managers, and is currently handling the negotiation of two enterprise agreements. In all of his work, Lynch continues to prove his capability and maturity, leading complex discussions with senior executives and external consultants, providing care and support for frontline employees, and coaching his peers across the other businesses within the Federal Group. A colleague states: “With his knowledge, common sense and business acumen there is no reason why Jonathon can’t be a future head of HR.”
GRACE LYDEN
Senior HR advisor, Brother International (Australia)
Nothing says rising star like being identified as a potential successor by your manager, and that is exactly what Grace Lyden has been pegged as: “… it is likely she will once again take on my role … she consistently demonstrates her capacity and willingness to learn, grow, and in turn, provide a high degree of professional integrity, which has generated high levels of trust and respect with all levels of staff,” writes her current manager. After working for a year at the company, Lyden was promoted to her current position. All of her work has been geared toward upgrading and improving the company’s HR systems, support and infrastructure, ensuring that staff receive what they need in a timely fashion. Her competence and hard work has earned her credibility among staff, making her an excellent candidate for HR leadership.
www.hcamag.com
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