Kristy Rachkowski
Echo Bay,ON
Summary
Professional with comprehensive experience ready for this role. Equipped with strong skills in leadership, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Known for team collaboration and adaptability, consistently delivering results. Strong communicator with focus on integrity and accountability.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief People and Culture Officer
Western Financial Group
02.2022 - 05.2025
- Established effective relationships with key stakeholders both internally and externally for increased collaboration opportunities.
- Delivered high-quality training programs, enhancing employee skill sets and contributing to professional development efforts.
- Established robust succession planning frameworks to secure long-term stability for key executive positions within the organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement using data-driven insights from employee feedback surveys, driving meaningful action plans based on identified areas of concern.
- Fostered a diverse and inclusive work environment, driving cultural change initiatives and promoting open communication.
- Revamped all compensation and benefits programs to ensure market competitiveness, optimizing budget allocation for maximum impact.
- Improved leadership capabilities across the organization through the development and execution of specialized training programs.
- Initiated employee recognition programs that celebrated individual and team accomplishments, boosting morale and fostering a culture of appreciation.
- Leveraged analytics-based tools for informed decision-making in all aspects of human resources management, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Championed corporate social responsibility initiatives that enhanced company reputation both internally and externally.
- Increased retention rates by developing targeted recruitment strategies and comprehensive onboarding processes.
Director, Human Resources
PUC Services Inc.
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Responsible for developing the HR Strategy and guiding the implementation, maintenance and support of elements such as, succession planning, performance management, learning and development, employee engagement, labour relations, recruitment and onboarding, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), reward and recognition and employee wellness initiatives.
- Managed complex employee relations issues, fostering a positive workplace culture and reducing legal risks.
- Led the successful implementation of a new HR management system, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility.
- Supported executive leadership team with coaching and development initiatives aimed at improving overall performance levels.
- Developed comprehensive HR policies and procedures, resulting in a more structured work environment.
- Implemented succession planning strategies to prepare for future organizational growth and change.
- Negotiated favorable benefits packages with vendors, ensuring optimal coverage at cost-effective rates.
- Maximized employee satisfaction scores by initiating regular feedback surveys followed by action plans addressing areas of concern.
- Participated at strategic and operational level to develop and strengthen human resources services, relationships and mission.
Founder
Vibe Eatery & Juice Co.
01.2017 - 03.2021
- Launched Sault Ste. Maries first, and only fully vegan & gluten free restaurant. At Vibe we provided organic, fresh, healthy options to food lovers. We offer breakfast, lunch & dinner for dine in or take out and also provide catering services. Our specialties include cold pressed juices, smoothies, breakfast bowls, soups, salads, wraps, coffee, tea and a wide array of seasonal features.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Oversaw financial management activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow monitoring for improved financial stability.
- Championed continuous improvement efforts within the organization, streamlining operations for increased efficiency.
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels.
Yoga Instructor
VIBE Yoga & Wellness
11.2009 - 03.2020
- For 16 years I have been teaching public & private yoga classes. I specialize in Hatha, Ashtange, Vinyasa, Restorative, Yin, Pre & Post Natal.
- Educated clients on the benefits of a consistent yoga practice for stress reduction, improved flexibility, and overall mental clarity.
- Planned and led yoga classes by selecting appropriate poses and sequences to meet abilities of individual students.
- Maintained positive relationships with class members through personalized and knowledgeable service.
- Developed tailored yoga programs for clients with specific health concerns or injuries to ensure safe practice.
Vice President Of Human Resources
TD
03.2014 - 01.2017
- Led the National Retail HR team (over 100 HRBPs) across 8 regions and supported the Executive VP, Retail Banking & the senior leadership team including 9 Senior Vice Presidents. Responsible for the overall HR & Learning experiences for 22,000+ employees across Canada.
- Implemented performance management systems to monitor employee progress, providing actionable insights for improvement opportunities.
- Mentored and developed HR professionals on the team, creating a pipeline of future leaders for the organization.
- Developed key metrics to measure the success of HR initiatives, allowing for continuous improvement efforts based on tangible results.
- Oversaw HR department budgeting and resource allocation, maximizing value while delivering exceptional services to employees.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes within the HR department, improving effectiveness in various functional areas such as recruitment and performance management.
- Improved employee retention by implementing comprehensive onboarding programs and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Established succession planning frameworks to prepare employees for future leadership roles within the organization.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align human resources strategy with overall business objectives, driving improved organizational performance.
- Built strong ties between regional offices by initiating cross-functional teams and projects that fostered collaboration among diverse groups of professionals.
District Vice President (DVP)
TD
09.2012 - 03.2014
- Led 22 Retail Branch locations and 300+ employees in the Orillia, Muskoka, Peterborough, Lindsay and surrounding areas.
- Improved team performance by providing regular coaching, training, and mentoring to sales representatives.
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing effective sales strategies for the district.
- Recognized potential talent within the team members early on; mentored them into higher positions in the organization over time.
- Enhanced team morale by fostering a positive work environment, recognizing achievements, and promoting professional development opportunities.
- Led sales meetings to communicate objectives, review progress against goals, and discuss areas for improvement.
- Analyzed data trends to monitor performance metrics and develop actionable insights for continuous improvement efforts.
AVP Human Resources
TD
11.2010 - 09.2012
- Led the HR function for retail banking for all 4 Atlantic Provinces.
- Managed projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality results.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments, facilitating better collaboration on projects across the organization.
- Promoted and led performance enhancement culture by actively coaching and mentoring direct reports.
- Led initiatives focused on employee engagement, resulting in higher retention rates and improved workplace morale.
Senior Manager Human Resources
TD
06.2009 - 11.2010
- Led HR special initiatives for the Canadian Retail Banking operations and acted as the HR SME on a variety of national scale projects. In this role I was also the HRBP for the Senior Vice President, Retail Strategy & Solutions Group and their executive team.
Human Resource Manager, Operations & Technology
TD
10.2007 - 06.2009
- Led a remote team of HRBPs that supported TD's Account Recovery & Fraud Management activities. My team was spread out in London, Markham, Montreal, Toronto.
Human Resource Counsellor
TD
11.2005 - 10.2007
- HRBP for a territory in North Western Ontario consisting of 20 branches (approx 200 employees) across a large geography. The role included extensive travel and relationship management.
Variety of Roles in Customer Service, Sales & Management
TD
06.1999 - 11.2005
- Held the roles of Customer Service Rep, Financial Service Rep, Manager Customer Experience & Manager Financial Services.
Education
MBA - Masters in Business Administration
Dalhousie University
01.2017
BA - Social Sciences, Criminology & Phsychology
University of Ottawa
01.2002
Certified Yoga Instructor - Ashtanga, Vinyasa, pre & postnatal, restorative & Hatha Yoga
The Yoga Sanctuary
01.2009
300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Fitness
Shiva Yoga Peeth
01.2016
No Degree - Certificate in Sustainability Leadership
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
Toronto, ON12-2023
Skills
- Strategy development
- Operations management
- Customer relations and retention
- Team leadership
- Vendor negotiations
- Problem resolution
- Motivating others
- Community engagement
- Public speaking
- Human resources
Timeline
Chief People and Culture Officer
Western Financial Group
02.2022 - 05.2025
Director, Human Resources
PUC Services Inc.
03.2021 - 12.2021
Founder
Vibe Eatery & Juice Co.
01.2017 - 03.2021
Vice President Of Human Resources
TD
03.2014 - 01.2017
District Vice President (DVP)
TD
09.2012 - 03.2014
AVP Human Resources
TD
11.2010 - 09.2012
Yoga Instructor
VIBE Yoga & Wellness
11.2009 - 03.2020
Senior Manager Human Resources
TD
06.2009 - 11.2010
Human Resource Manager, Operations & Technology
TD
10.2007 - 06.2009
Human Resource Counsellor
TD
11.2005 - 10.2007
Variety of Roles in Customer Service, Sales & Management
TD
06.1999 - 11.2005
BA - Social Sciences, Criminology & Phsychology
University of Ottawa
Certified Yoga Instructor - Ashtanga, Vinyasa, pre & postnatal, restorative & Hatha Yoga
The Yoga Sanctuary
300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training - Fitness
Shiva Yoga Peeth
MBA - Masters in Business Administration
Dalhousie University
No Degree - Certificate in Sustainability Leadership
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
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