Mary P. Rath is a Vice President focusing on talent acquisition for governments and Human Resources projects. Mary has 25 years of experience as a local government Human Resources Professional and is skilled at all aspects of HR including recruitment and onboarding; training and compliance; risk and claim management; employee relations issues; and organizational development.
Mary is a strategic thinker with exceptional interpersonal skills, and is adept at creating and implementing HR strategies that align with organizational goals while also promoting a positive and inclusive workplace. Mary offers proven success in identifying, attracting, and retaining top talent. She has executed full life cycle of the recruitment processes including sourcing, interviewing, and negotiating offers. She has implemented innovative strategies to streamline hiring processes and enhance candidate experiences, as well as designed and executed effective onboarding programs.
Ensured compliance with regulatory, state, federal and local law compliance. Responsible for the consistent application of HR policies and practices within the organization.
Implemented proactive measures to promote a collaborative workplace culture, including employee engagement initiatives, conflict resolution, team-building activities, and communication strategies. Demonstrated expertise in handling employee relations matters and restoring employee focus. Handled grievances, investigations, and contract negotiations.
Played a key role in organizational development by contributing to the design and facilitation of training programs, performance management systems, and career development initiatives. Key member of the senior leadership team on organization-wide management challenges and advising all levels of managers on Human Resource issues.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- IPELRA, Supervisory Training designer and facilitator
- ILCMA, ”The Coronavirus Pandemic Has Changed the Way People Work: What Does This Mean for Local Government HR?”, Panel Member
- ILCMA, ”Transforming Local Government to Attract and Retain a New Age Workforce, Panel Member
- National Incident Management (NIMS) Certification
- Mental Health for Leaders Certification
- DEI in the Workplace Certification
- Creating a Disability Inclusive Workplace, the Role of Accommodations Certification
- Resilient Leadership in an Anxious World Certification
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Approximately 30 Years of Human Resources Experience
- GovHR USA/MGT Consulting
– Vice President 2024-Present - Village of Arlington Heights
– Director of Human Resources 2011-2023
– Human Resources Manager 2009-2011
– Human Resources Coordinator 2000-2009 - Harper Community College
– Adjunct Faculty 1995-2009
MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS
- Society of Human Resource Management, Member
- National Employer Labor Relations Associate (NPELRA), Member
- Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Associations (IPELRA), Board Member and Chair of the Sponsorship Committee
- Village of Mount Prospect, Finance Commission Member
- Village of Mount Prospect, Mentorship/Leadership, Volunteer
- Illinois Risk Management Association (IRMA), Member and Training Committee Member
- American Association for Women in Community Colleges, Member
- Chicago Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD) formally known as the Association for Training and Development, Member
- Public Risk Management Association (PRIMA), Member
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
- Master of Science in Human Resource Management, Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL
- Bachelor of Arts, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago, IL
