Deborah Hurley-Wardlaw is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of extensive experience in human resources, project management, and strategic operations. Known for her innovative approaches and out-of-the-box problem-solving abilities, Deborah has a unique blend of human resource expertise, technical acumen, and big-picture vision. Her work spans multiple industries, with recent achievements in Service Industries and Manufacturing, showcasing her adaptability and skill in managing complex transformations. Deborah’s career is marked by a commitment to excellence, collaborative team building, and a dedication to enhancing operational efficiency across the organizations she serves.

In her current role as a Senior Project Manager for UKG Dimensions at Project Genetics, Deborah oversees critical HR system implementations and project lifecycles. She leverages her certification in UKG Pro, Dimensions, and Ready, ensuring successful project outcomes that align with the strategic goals of the organization. Her ability to balance scope, time, cost, and quality across multiple projects demonstrates her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to delivering value-driven solutions. Deborah is also recognized for her stakeholder management skills, which enable her to foster trust and transparency with internal and external partners alike.

Prior to her work at Project Genetics, Deborah served as a Project Manager at Jubilant, where she led HR transformation projects that involved optimizing strategy, organizational design, and change management. Her leadership was instrumental in delivering HRIS solutions that met clients’ functional and technical requirements. Deborah’s expertise in developing project roadmaps and managing solution designs allowed her to implement impactful improvements that supported business objectives and enhanced client satisfaction. She is known for her ability to anticipate challenges and create strategic contingency plans to ensure project success.

Deborah’s previous role as Director of Human Resources at Dental Depot saw her manage the full HR lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement, for a 500+ employee organization. She successfully transitioned the company from a PEO to a stand-alone HRIS system, leading an RFP process, implementing ADP WorkforceNow, and coordinating the first payroll within a tight timeline. Her leadership reduced turnover from 40% to 10% and significantly improved employee engagement through enhanced training and onboarding processes. Deborah’s efforts not only optimized HR operations but also fostered a more cohesive and engaged workforce.

During her tenure at ADP, Deborah held various strategic roles in Human Capital Management (HCM) operations, including Project Manager of Strategy and Operations, and Implementation Manager for the ACA Center of Excellence. She led initiatives that transformed ADP’s service delivery model from a call center to an account-based approach, improving client satisfaction and engagement metrics. Her role in establishing the ACA Center of Excellence involved system monitoring and product/process improvements that enhanced client loyalty and reduced rejection rates, reflecting her expertise in aligning operational goals with customer-centric results.

Deborah’s experience also includes her role as Director of the Core Administrative Processing Service Center at the University of Missouri, where she managed faculty, staff, and student recruiting, HR processing, and policy implementation for the MU Research Division. She developed online resources that streamlined HR processes, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for the university’s research departments. Her work at the university is a testament to her ability to implement systems and solutions that facilitate organizational growth and improve resource management.

Deborah’s technical proficiencies are vast, with certifications in tools like ADP Workforce Now, Smartsheets, SharePoint, and Jira. Her software implementation skills are highly endorsed, reflecting her ability to navigate complex technical landscapes while translating capabilities into meaningful business benefits. With a thorough understanding of HR software solutions and data-driven analytics, Deborah leverages her technical expertise to support strategic decision-making across her projects and client engagements.

An advocate for continuous learning, Deborah has earned certifications in Humble Leadership: The Power of Relationships, Openness, and Trust and Leading with Fearless Mindfulness. These accomplishments underscore her commitment to fostering open, trust-based relationships within her teams and enhancing organizational health. Her dedication to lifelong learning not only strengthens her leadership capabilities but also serves as an example to those she mentors.

Beyond her professional roles, Deborah is passionate about travel and caring for her elderly family members, balancing her career with personal values that reflect compassion and integrity. Her active membership in SHERM and PMI reinforces her commitment to networking and professional development, and her desire to impact organizations positively has made her an invaluable asset to her teams and clients.

Character:

Deborah Hurley-Wardlaw is a leader defined by integrity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, consistently earning trust and respect from her teams and clients. Her strong character shines through in her ability to inspire, support, and maintain accountability within high-performing teams.

Knowledge:

With an extensive background in human resources, technical systems, and strategic planning, Deborah brings both depth and breadth of expertise that empowers organizations to tackle complex challenges. Her knowledge spans multiple industries, making her an adaptable and resourceful asset in driving sustainable growth.

Strategic:

Deborah’s strategic approach is marked by her ability to anticipate issues, craft effective solutions, and align projects with long-term organizational goals. Her forward-thinking mindset allows her to navigate complex transformations, consistently delivering value and advancing company objectives.

Communication:

Known for her transparent and collaborative communication style, Deborah fosters open and trusting relationships that ensure alignment and cohesion among team members and stakeholders. Her clear, proactive approach to communication helps drive project success and build strong client partnerships.