Richard G.

Rivera
410 Wild Olive Trail
San Antonio, Texas 78256
Home: 210.698.1887
E-mail: rr6cf734@westpost.net
Results-oriented human resource professional with extensive experience in HR gen
eralist functions in large corporate environments. Skilled problem solver capab
le of adapting to diverse high demand business settings. Strong relationship bu
ilder adept at resolving sensitive employee relations issues with confidentialit
y and professionalism. Respected leader skilled at implementing best practices
and supporting diverse internal customer groups to facilitate attainment of chal
lenging business objectives.
PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS
HR Program Management
Relationship Building
Performance and Reward Evaluation
Policy and Procedure Design
Compensation Analysis
HR Operations
Employee Relations and Retention
Process Improvement
Project Management
Change Management
Strategic Planning
Training and Facilitation
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Supported human resource operations for a $17.5 billion financial services com
pany. Investigated and documented multiple entry points for HR system requests f
rom resolving system defects to development level projects. Identified elements
needing clarification in the funding approval and resource allocation processes
. Developed a simplified universal application appropriate for all types of requ
ests. Developed a management process by which the tracking and reporting of pro
ject types, costs, requirements, resources, and scheduling were tied to a formal
request. RESULTS: Created a structured central intake process for specialized
HR system project requests, increasing efficiency and timely project status repo
rting.
- Provided business process consulting for all corporate services contracting an
d purchasing activities for a high profile financial services company. Assisted
business unit leaders in defining, validating, and prioritizing operations proce
ss improvements and business initiatives. Developed and monitored initiatives,
business metrics, and productivity and process improvements. Produced and analyz
ed management information reports reflecting metrics, expenditures, divisional c
ost savings, and budget variances. RESULTS: New management tools became the ca
talyst for monthly business meetings used to measure attainment of mission objec
tives and monitor productivity improvements.
- Developed a contract/purchase order cost reduction program for a procurement o
perations division. Created policies and procedures for submission and validatio
n of cost savings and cost reduction efforts. Developed a process for submissio
n, reporting and record tracking. Satisfied complex productivity metrics. RESU
LTS: Facilitated $1 billion in realized savings over seven years.
- Built, enhanced, and monitored diverse, complex compensation programs for a la
rge, multifaceted enterprise. Interpreted business needs and developed value-add
ed HR benefits and programs. Analyzed divisional productivity issues and created
variable payroll programs to optimize resource utilization and retention. Perfo
rmed manpower and organizational design studies and analysis. Led corporate com
pensation audits and job analyses. Developed U.S. and European salary schedules
and ranges. Prepared market pricing executive compensation plans. Designed and
implemented retention incentives, proficiency pay, shift differential, and meri
t pay programs. RESULTS: Key contributor to the challenge of attracting, devel
oping, motivating and retaining a diverse team of committed, talented people. S
ustained a continued focus on creating personal and financial reward programs th
at typify a best-in-class workplace.
- Led a team of HR professionals in the application of a massive corporate cultu
re change initiative. Implemented a no-grade compensation program and a new emp
loyee performance evaluation program and reward system. Developed salary ranges
, performance evaluation guidelines, and reward system processes. Monitored tra
ining and implementation schedule. Presented customized training to senior mana
gers. RESULTS: Met demanding timetable and successfully implemented a cultural
change that enhanced employee morale as measured by an employee feedback progra
m.
- Investigated diverse employee complaints involving pay equity, performance man
agement, workplace violence, and discriminatory allegations. Conducted intervie
ws and research with utmost professional confidentiality. RESULTS: Entrusted
by senior management as the go-to-person to resolve management concerns of extre
me sensitivity and high confidentiality. Labeled by management team as the fixe
r.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
UNITED SERVICES AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION, San Antonio, Texas 1983 to 2009
Human Resources Operations Advisor 2008 to 2009
Business Operations Advisor Corporate Services Division 2001 to 2008
Human Resources Compensation Business Advisor 1992 to 2001
Corporate Loaned Executive Program Executive Assistant to the Mayor 1991 to 199
2
Human Resources Compensation Consultant 1989 to 1991
Financial Services Market Research Analyst 1983 to 1989

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATION

M.B.A., Business Administration, Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, T
exas
B.B.A., Management / Marketing, University of Texas at San Antonio
Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Chairman, Fund Allocation and Program Review Committee, United Way of San Antoni
o
Operations Instructor, Santa Rosa Childrens Telethon
First Aid Station Staff Member, American Red Cross
CPR Instructor, American Heart Association
Richard G. Rivera
410 Wild Olive Trail, San Antonio, Texas 78256
(210) 289-1978 rr6cf734@westpost.net

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
United Services Automobile Association (USAA), San Antonio, Texas 12/83 to 10/09
People Services (HR) Operations Advisor 10/08 to 10/09
Contributed to the research, analysis, and planning of specialized initiatives t
hat supported continuous improvement and best-in-class Human Resource operations
. Provided oversight of intake process and tools for specialized initiatives, r
esolving system defects, maintaining regulatory compliance, and the resolution o
f audit findings. Participated in the funding and prioritization of initiatives
for information technology resources. Researched initiative technology requireme
nts to ensure the successful completion of all efforts. Developed and maintained
staffs support data to monitor and analyze staff resource utilization.
- Applied business process project management principles for the successful comp
letion of corporate-wide high profile time sensitive projects.
Corporate Services Business Operations Advisor 01/01 to 10/08
Business advisor for corporate services contracting and purchasing activities. A
ssisted management in defining, validating, and prioritizing operational process
improvements and business initiatives. Developed and monitored initiatives, bus
iness metrics, and productivity and process improvements. Provided for the repor
ting and analysis of operational performance metrics. Produced and analyzed mana
gement information reports pertaining to metrics, expenditures, divisional cost
savings, and budget variances.
- Managed a contract/purchase order cost savings and cost reduction program and
validated over $1 billion in realized savings.
- Created and monitored a multi-million dollar departmental budget.
Human Resources Compensation Business Advisor 10/92 to 01/01
Developed, enhanced, and monitored compensation programs to ensure the applicati
on of best practices and conformance with industry guidelines. Interpreted busi
ness needs and developed value-added Human Resource benefits and programs. Prov
ided corporate guidance in the form of alternatives and resolutions to business
issues, problems, and related personnel issues. Used sound judgment and discret
ion in interpreting and revising existing policies and regulatory procedures. A
nalyzed divisional productivity issues and created variable payroll programs to
encourage optimum resource utilization and retention. Performed manpower and o
rganizational design studies and analysis. Advised management on productivity e
nhancement, talent management, service delivery, and staffing situations. Provi
ded routine guidance and assistance to management and addressed employee complai
nts and inquiries on related issues.
- Lead corporate-wide compensation audits, job analysis, and developed U.S. and
European salary schedules and ranges. Experienced in market pricing executive c
ompensation / job development.
- Lead the design and implementation of various compensation programs to include
, retention incentives, proficiency pay, on-call pay, shift differential and mer
it programs.
- Provided training to all levels of management on changes to policies and proce
dures, to include compensation issues, performance management, and employee eval
uations.
- Awarded the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation.

Richard G. Rivera
- Page Two -
City of San Antonio, Office of the Mayor, San Antonio, Texas
USAA Loaned Executive Program - Executive Assistant to the Mayor 05/91 to 10/92
Performed as the Mayors representative and liaison with city, state, county, and
national government entities. Participated and facilitated coalition activitie
s with community partners. Provided executive level planning, organizing, and a
dministrative support. Project planned the Mayors Task Force on Youth Initiative
s. Coordinated the development of San Antonio 2000, a national education initiat
ive. Coordinated and developed documentation supporting the North American Free
Trade Agreement Presidential visit. Supported the San Antonio Drug Summit throug
h project management, research and analysis. Project member for the development
of the Greater San Antonio Crime Prevention Commission.
- Awarded a City of San Antonio Resolution for distinguished job performance by
the Mayor and City Council.
- Awarded special recognition by the San Antonio Chief of Police and SAPD for ou
tstanding leadership and professionalism in support of City initiatives.
- Exercised professionalism and discretion when communicating with government of
ficials at the city, state, and national level. Developed favorable association
s with leaders of the private sector.
- Proven public speaking skills and skilled in the collaboration of entities wit
h varied interests.
Human Resources Compensation Consultant 02/89 to 05/91
Performed as a consultant and advisor to all management and employees on issues
pertaining to Human Resources. Conducted various compensation studies to resolv
e pay equity issues. Interpreted and applied applicable federal regulations, to
include FLSA, ADA, EEOC and military reserve pay programs. Provided employee r
elations consultation, disciplinary actions administration, peer grievance, empl
oyee rights of rebuttal, and staffing actions. Addressed workload management bus
iness practices, unit organizational design, job career paths, leave programs an
d salary equity issues. Performed as a consultant to senior management, team ma
nagers, and employees in support business initiatives and productivity. Perform
ed as an advisor regarding policies and procedures. Resolved department pay ine
quities, addressed incentive pay requests, and advised management on individual
salary adjustments.
- Built strong management relationships and in partnership implement creative bu
siness solutions..
- Conducted complex employee investigations to include violence in the workplace
and discriminatory issues.
Financial Services Market Research Analyst 12/83 to 02/89
Coordinated and managed market research and analysis projects. Forecasted sales
objectives/company goals and developed long-range marketing plans, trending anal
ysis, income projections, and market segmentation/penetration programs to meet s
ame. Lead the collection, monitoring, and analysis of operational performance tr
ends. Coordinated and managed projects for the analysis of lost and returning bu
siness. Accurately forecasted revenue projections for real estate limited partn
ership investments.
United States Army Administrative/Personnel Officer - Captain 09/78 to 09/83
Administrative manager and consultant to the director of programs, to recruit te
chnical and professional career personnel. Directed the development and producti
on of planning guidelines, market analyses, and operational impact projections.
Directed policy administration, operational policy development, and procurement
activities. Managed regional office administrative functions; administered emplo
yee utilization policies and retention programs. Developed plans to fund new or
relocated offices; located and evaluated sites; monitored and conducted site acq
uisition negotiations. Forecasted, planned, and managed a department annual oper
ating budget.

EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration - Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio
, Texas
Bachelor of Business Administration (Management/Marketing) - University of Texas
at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas