ELIZABETH J.

FARMER (LIZ)
www.linkedin.com/in/elizfarmer
716-725-7256

ejfarmer@rochester.rr.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Accomplished Human Resources / Learning & Development Professional and Manager with 20+ years
experience in driving improvements, delivering on initiatives and helping to build high performing teams.
Highly collaborative, motivated and results oriented with proven track record in building strong relationships
with all levels of management, internal stakeholders and vendors within a competitive business environment.
Selected Skills:
Learning & Development /OD
Employee Relations
Merger & Acquisition Support
Leadership Development

Process Improvement
Employee Onboarding
Behavioral Interviewing
Change Management

Performance Management
Project Management
Curriculum Development
Team Assimilation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
FIRST NIAGARA FINANCIAL GROUP, N.A., Buffalo/Lockport, NY

1996 - 2000, 2002 - 2014

Human Resources / Learning & Development (2011 - 2014)

Provided consultative services to identify, analyze, implement and evaluate organizational development
solutions to meet the needs of business groups. Ensured training initiatives were developed to align with
business needs. Proactively managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts as necessary.

Collaborated with HR Business Partners and Business Units to develop and implement learning strategies
in support of business objectives.

Identified and recommended enhancements to existing processes and procedures that improve the
overall quality of service provided by the HR / Organizational Development team.

Built partnerships that delivered value added services that increased employee performance and retention.

Researched subject matter best practices and implemented solutions to drive business outcomes.

Led or participated on cross functional projects that improved business performance.

Organizational Development, Manager of Program and Learning Delivery (2002 - 2011)

Oversaw OD/Training Delivery team across a four state footprint. Managed educational assistance program,
including budgeting and in-house marketing. Facilitated training at leadership levels across the organization.

Successfully implemented retail and back-office learning plans for bank mergers and acquisitions.

Supported training plans to support the rapid growth and expansion from 2,000 to over 6,000 employees.

Coached and developed Group Managers in management roles and responsibilities.

Participated on or led project teams that drove efficiency and compliance.

Training Coordinator (1996 - 2000)

Responsible for daily operations of the Training and Development Department. Oversaw program development
and delivery for all employees. Interacted with all levels of the organization, including Executive Team
members. Maintained accurate departmental records for monthly, quarterly and annual reports.

Facilitated on-site and off-site training sessions: New Employee Orientation, Service Excellence, Word,
Excel, Regulatory and Security.

Worked with the Organizational Development Manager for the development of higher level employees.

Elizabeth Farmer

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

FIVE STAR BANK (FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.), Warsaw, NY

2000 - 2002
Performance Improvement/Employee Development Coordinator
Handled program design, development, revisions and delivery for the bank holding company and its four
banks. Tracked all internal and external training for 700 employees. Coordinated all internal and external
training programs. Traveled as necessary throughout the regions. Conducted on-site and off-site training.

Conducted needs assessments that identified and addressed training and development gaps.

Interviewed, selected and maintained relationships with training vendors.

Collaborated with Senior Management, Branch Administrators, Sales Managers and HR Representatives
regarding programs being developed and overall training needs of the organization.

Established budget for training area at the holding company level.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
HOUGHTON COLLEGE, Houghton, NY

2010 - Present
Adjunct Professor
Professor for Fundamentals of Management classroom course and Training & Development online course in
Houghtons adult education program. Oversee classroom logistics, students, and grading.

Effectively deliver content which aligns with course objectives.

Commencement speaker for 2012 Adult Education graduates.

EDUCATION
ROBERTS WESLEYAN COLLEGE, Rochester, NY
M.S. - Strategic Leadership, 2010
GPA - 3.95 / 4.0; Recipient of Strategic Excellence Award

HOUGHTON COLLEGE, P.A.C.E. PROGRAM, West Seneca, NY

B.S. - Management, 2010
GPA - 3.75 / 4.0
Leadership Genesee Graduate, 2006

AFFILIATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS
MBTI Certified Instructor
Currently preparing to take SPHR certification exam
New York State Approved Monitor, Insurance Self-Study Continuing Education Testing
Member, Association for Talent Development (formerly ASTD)
Member, Society of Human Resources Management
Member, Buffalo/Niagara Human Resources Association - Member
Member, OD of WNY