“Empowering people, transforming organizations.”
Lisa Torrez stands as a formidable leader in the realm of human resources and organizational development, with a career spanning over 27 years marked by a commitment to advancing business strategy through the power of people. Her professional journey has been defined by a deep-seated passion for cultivating talent, championing change, and designing robust operational structures across diverse sectors including food manufacturing, telecom, energy, and waste management. With a rich history of leadership roles at both emerging startups and global enterprises, Lisa has earned a reputation for driving innovation, operational excellence, and inclusive workplace cultures.
Lisa’s early grounding in operational management laid a solid foundation for her transition into human resources leadership. Her academic credentials—a Master’s in Organization Development from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts from Valparaiso University—provided her with both the theoretical insight and practical frameworks to lead complex transformation initiatives. Throughout her career, she has combined this strong educational foundation with hands-on leadership, leading her to make lasting organizational impacts in multiple industries.
At Ferrara Candy Company, where Lisa currently serves as the People & Organization Leader, she has spearheaded pivotal post-acquisition integration strategies that have dramatically improved workforce stability and retention. Her innovative approach to the New Hire Experience, which resulted in a 95% reduction in new hire turnover, exemplifies her ability to align people initiatives with strategic business outcomes. Lisa’s leadership has not only streamlined HR operations but also redefined company culture through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks and development programs.
Prior to Ferrara, Lisa played an instrumental role at Illuminate USA, a burgeoning startup where she managed a department of 16 and implemented scalable talent acquisition strategies. Under her leadership, the company achieved 50% of its staffing target towards a goal of 1,000 employees. From HR technology implementations like Workday and NoahFace to managing expatriate support for 200 Chinese employees, Lisa brought operational precision and a people-first mindset to a high-growth, high-stakes environment.
Her tenure at Smithfield Foods further underscored her capabilities in labor relations and operational HR strategy. As Human Resources Manager, Lisa navigated complex union dynamics, rolled out compensation adjustments, and introduced structured maintenance training programs, significantly boosting workforce morale and technical proficiency. She achieved a fully staffed production team in record time, which in turn propelled the facility to exceed production targets—a testament to her strategic agility and relentless drive.
Earlier in her career, Lisa led critical post-acquisition harmonization efforts at both Stericycle and Chef Solutions, where she successfully navigated the complexities of cultural integration, organizational realignment, and systems consolidation. At Stericycle, she played a key role in aligning people strategies following multiple acquisitions, unifying disparate legacy practices into cohesive HR policies and building frameworks for consistent performance and compliance. At Chef Solutions, she facilitated the merger of several regional business units, driving workforce alignment and operational continuity through thoughtful change management, communication planning, and talent restructuring. These early experiences shaped her deep expertise in post-acquisition integration, and continue to inform her approach to complex organizational transitions.
Lisa’s earlier leadership at Aramark within the IU Health System revealed her acumen in enterprise-level HR management. Overseeing a $40M account with over 2,000 associates across seventeen hospitals, she led initiatives in performance management, equity-based compensation, and engagement strategies that elevated both employee satisfaction and organizational performance. Her approach consistently blends empathy with execution, fostering environments where employees thrive and deliver measurable results.
In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Lisa has also made significant contributions as a real estate broker and client services director at Robert Half International. There, she fine-tuned her talent acquisition skills and solidified her belief in the importance of aligning people strategy with business vision. Her ability to pivot seamlessly between roles and industries reflects her versatility and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Lisa’s global perspective is shaped by her extensive international collaboration, having partnered with teams in China, Europe, Central America, and South America. Her cross-cultural fluency and experience managing expatriate programs enrich her capacity to lead diverse, geographically dispersed teams. Whether navigating the intricacies of post-acquisition integration or implementing global HR platforms, she brings a nuanced understanding of the global workforce landscape.
Her leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in service and community impact. Lisa previously served on the Bridge Communities Committee, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals transition into stable housing and personal development. Through mock interviews, resume workshops, and job search guidance, she extended her professional expertise to uplift others—a true reflection of her values-driven leadership.
An active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and certified in DDI training and corporate coaching, Lisa remains committed to lifelong learning and professional development. She brings not only technical HR knowledge but also a strong capacity for strategic thinking, relationship building, and inclusive leadership. Her career is a testament to the powerful role that compassionate, forward-thinking HR leadership plays in shaping the success of organizations and the lives of employees.
Now entering the advisory and board space, Lisa is driven by a desire to give back and guide younger organizations through the complexities of workforce strategy, organizational development, and sustainable growth. She is especially drawn to startups and early-stage companies where she can leverage her deep well of experience to shape foundational people strategies and cultivate resilient, values-driven cultures.
Character:
Lisa embodies resilience, empathy, and integrity, consistently leading by example and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the growth and well-being of others. Her dedication to service—both professionally and through her community involvement—illustrates her unwavering personal values.
Knowledge:
With over two decades of human resources expertise and a Master’s in Organization Development, Lisa brings exceptional depth and insight to every role she undertakes. Her mastery spans HR operations, DEI training, organizational design, and global workforce strategy.
Strategic:
Lisa excels at aligning people strategies with overarching business objectives, as seen in her transformative work at Ferrara, Illuminate USA, and Smithfield Foods. Her ability to envision, design, and execute large-scale change initiatives makes her a strategic asset to any organization.
Communication:
Whether presenting to executive teams, coaching future leaders, or conducting training sessions, Lisa communicates with clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Her collaborative style ensures alignment across stakeholders, fostering cultures of trust and engagement.
