Kianna Nichols

Lead agency-wide HR operations and workforce transformation as Division Director of Human Capital Staffing Services, overseeing four branches and a team of 40+ professionals within a complex public-sector environment. Manage recruitment strategy, workforce planning, policy development, training programs, and performance systems to ensure compliance and operational excellence. Serve as a strategic HR partner to executive leadership, driving equitable workforce initiatives, restructuring efforts, and process modernization to support long-term organizational success.

➢ Established and operationalized a new Human Capital division post-reorganization, designing end-to-end staffing workflows, position structures, and performance evaluation frameworks to enhance accountability and service delivery.

➢ Conducted in-depth workforce analysis and implemented a division-wide training curriculum focused on consistency, skill development, and internal knowledge transfer across HR teams.

➢ Led organizational change management strategies to support staff engagement, cultural alignment, and transparency during major restructuring initiatives.

➢ Managed a multimillion-dollar HR program budget, allocating resources for staff development, technology, operations, and compliance-related initiatives.

➢ Developed and implemented standardized performance metrics across four branches, strengthening supervisory accountability and service consistency.

Directed nationwide HR service delivery and strategic workforce initiatives as Branch Director of Human Capital Services, leading a geographically dispersed team of 17 professionals. Oversaw staffing operations, employee engagement programs, and compliance strategies designed to improve performance, strengthen internal processes, and align HR functions with agency-wide goals. Collaborated closely with leadership to design inclusive and forward-thinking HR strategies that addressed workforce capacity, retention, and succession planning.

➢ Developed and implemented comprehensive HR strategies that supported organizational goals, translating agency needs into structured staffing plans, operational systems, and measurable workforce outcomes.

➢ Provided expert-level consultation to senior leaders on HR policies, employee lifecycle management, and engagement strategies, ensuring full alignment with internal standards and public service values.

➢ Resolved complex HR challenges through root cause analysis and solution-oriented planning, improving service delivery and ensuring consistent policy compliance across all team functions.

➢ Created short- and long-term strategic plans focused on workforce readiness, talent development, and internal mobility, using HR analytics to support data-informed staffing decisions.

➢ Recognized with the ORA Honor Award for outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to enhancing human capital effectiveness across the branch.

Managed HR project execution and team performance within the Human Resource Liaison (HRL) team, directing cross-functional initiatives that strengthened policy compliance, employee engagement, and administrative efficiency. Oversaw process improvement strategies and coached HR staff to promote consistency, equity, and accountability across all areas of service delivery. Supported the implementation and oversight of critical employee programs, ensuring alignment with organizational values and federal HR policies.

➢ Managed high-impact HR projects and deliverables, ensuring timely completion of staffing actions, reporting initiatives, and program goals aligned with agency standards.

➢ Led task planning and workflow optimization across a multi-skilled team, enhancing productivity, equitable workload distribution, and communication across HR functions.

➢ Provided hands-on coaching to HR analysts and specialists, guiding the application of best practices and regulatory frameworks in support of high-quality human resources service delivery.

➢ Oversaw the agency’s Pathways and Telework programs, conducting program audits and implementing compliance-focused improvements to increase accuracy, participation, and accountability.

Supported citywide HR policy implementation, workforce development, and compliance initiatives as a key member of the Human Capital Management team. Delivered strategic guidance on organizational design, employee relations, and retention planning while contributing to agency-wide efforts to modernize HR practices and enhance operational efficiency. Played a central role in classification, staffing operations, and employee program compliance to strengthen organizational equity and performance.

➢ Advised agency leadership on interpretation of OHR policies and provided strategic input on risk management, workforce planning, and employee relations/labor relations (ER/LR) matters.

➢ Oversaw recruitment and retention processes from initiation to hire, ensuring full-cycle compliance, job classification accuracy, and support for equitable hiring outcomes.

➢ Conducted organizational structure reviews to evaluate position alignment, optimize workforce deployment, and improve HR service delivery across departments.

➢ Identified operational gaps in Pathways and Telework programs, implementing compliance-focused solutions that improved transparency, documentation, and reporting standards.