Nicole Gehrke

Senior Human Resources Manager - Field HR

Professional Overview

Nicole Gehrke is a seasoned human resources professional with over 20 years of experience driving strategic HR initiatives across diverse industries. As the Senior Human Resources Manager - Field HR at Associated Bank, she leads a team of HR business partners to provide targeted, localized support to field operations and branch locations. With a strong focus on talent management, employee relations, and organizational development, Nicole is adept at aligning HR functions with broader business objectives.

Experience Summary

Current Role

In her current role as Senior Human Resources Manager - Field HR at Associated Bank, Nicole is responsible for overseeing the delivery of HR services to field operations, including 120+ branch locations. She manages a team of HR business partners to ensure consistent HR support, compliance, and policy implementation across the organization. Nicole's key achievements include:

• Spearheaded the rollout of a new performance management system, resulting in a 15% increase in employee engagement scores.

• Implemented a comprehensive leadership development program, equipping over 150 managers with critical people management skills.

• Streamlined HR processes and workflows, driving a 20% reduction in HR administrative tasks and enabling the team to focus on strategic initiatives.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Nicole held several HR leadership positions at Associated Bank, including HR Business Partner Manager and HR Business Partner. She has also gained experience in the human resources field at Gannett Newspapers, where she served as the Human Resources Manager, and at ARAMARK Campus Services, where she worked as a Financial Analyst.

Throughout her career, Nicole has demonstrated a strong ability to navigate complex HR challenges, build effective partnerships with business leaders, and drive organizational change. Her diverse industry experience, coupled with her analytical and strategic mindset, have contributed to her success in aligning HR initiatives with business goals.

Academic Background

Nicole holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and is actively involved in professional HR associations, staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Areas of Expertise

• Talent management and succession planning

• Employee relations and conflict resolution

• Organizational development and change management

• HR policy and compliance

• HR analytics and data-driven decision-making

• Strategic HR business partnering

Professional Impact

Nicole's contributions have had a significant impact on the organizations she has served. She has led the implementation of innovative HR programs, driving improvements in employee engagement, leadership development, and operational efficiency. Her ability to navigate complex HR challenges and collaborate effectively with business leaders has earned her a reputation as a trusted strategic partner.

Conclusion

With her extensive HR expertise, strategic mindset, and proven track record of success, Nicole Gehrke is poised to continue making a profound impact on the organizations she serves. As she progresses in her career, she remains dedicated to leveraging her human resources knowledge and leadership skills to support the growth and success of her team and the broader organization.