Tori Whaley, aPHR

Advocate Health

Managed leave of absence department general inquires, answering and researching claims while providing an exceptional employee experience in an organization of 20,000+.

Built and launched a process framework for a longstanding policy, working cross-functionally with management and a third-party vendor to deliver smooth employee payment operations.

Trained team members to navigate and master a complex, multi-step leave of absence process by breaking down difficult concepts into clear, actionable steps.

Audited closed claims, ensuring compliant and complete closure, supporting successful employee transitions back to work.

Established comprehensive SOPs for essential departmental processes, addressing foundational gaps and providing clear guidance for new employees.

Reviewed and updated website content, removing outdated language and aligning updates with standards across business groups.

Developed and launched process improvement teams to address outdated, complex policies, creating actionable tasks from findings to drive measurable change.

Human Resources Coordinator, Leave of Absence

Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits

Delivered compassionate, concierge-level leave guidance to 20,000+ union and non-union employees across 21 states, building trust, reducing confusion, and ensuring a positive experience.

Resolved complex LOA cases with empathy and precision, increasing employee satisfaction and strengthening confidence in HR processes.

Partnered with 50+ executives, HRBPs, and stakeholders in 2023 to navigate challenging leave scenarios while advocating for employees through reasonable accommodations and return-to-work options.

Created user-friendly templates, policies, procedures, and process maps that streamlined HR operations, improved accessibility, and reinforced understanding of technical data.

Collaborated with Legal, Payroll, and Absence Management leadership to ensure compliant, fair, and employee-centered outcomes.

Processed weekly payroll for employees on LOA with 100% accuracy, streamlining workflows to guarantee timely and compliant payments.

Reviewed 2,000+ OSHA files for accuracy and legal adherence, ensuring compliance and mitigating organizational risk.

Facilitated interactive processes with empathy, assessing unique employee needs to deliver equitable outcomes and making separation decisions when necessary.

Liaised with third-party vendors through weekly meetings to address unclear claims, ensure proper handling, and strengthen accountability.

Wrote SOPs, letter templates, and a brochure to aid in understanding technical concepts. Created associated process maps in Visio for SOPs.

North Texas Community Foundation

Included Front Desk Administrator duties plus:

Strengthened internal IT support by learning troubleshooting skills, reducing outside vendor reliance, bringing a chronically over budget line item back within budget.

Partnered with stakeholders to overhaul 30+ outdated policies and procedures, streamlining operations and improving clarity for employees navigating internal processes.

Led cross-functional team to optimize a multi-departmental procedure, reducing procedure completion time.

Developed and cultivated a StrengthsFinder culture by designing team-building activities, creating peer-recognition programs, and facilitating workshops that increased collaboration, employee engagement, and performance alignment with individual strengths.

Trained staff and executives on collaboration best practices for a more inclusive culture.

Selected and implemented video-conferencing hardware for two conference rooms; coordinated install and trained staff.

Handpicked video conferencing equipment, one for primary and another for secondary conference room, overseeing timely installation and training staff.  

Reviewed weekly check deposit reconciliation with Finance to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Championed the recognition of Juneteenth as a company holiday, aligning organizational policies with cultural values and reinforcing employee belonging.

Operations Associate / Employee Experience Specialist

Allied with senior leadership to evaluate employee satisfaction via employee survey I created, shaping strategies that strengthened the workplace culture.

Served as the first point of contact for calls, emails, and visitors, delivering professional, attentive support, ensuring positive experiences.

Designed and led a comprehensive employee experience program spanning development, recognition, events, and retreats that reduced turnover by more than 60%.

Welcomed and onboarded new hires, streamlining system setup and acting as a trusted resource.

Orchestrated company events end-to-end successfully, including planning, logistics, vendor coordination, and on-site management, renforcing comapny dedication to staff.

Streamlined administrative operations by improving organization systems, optimizing database management, supporting projects which improved team productivity, all enhancing the employee experience.

Guided employees through complex LOA cases with compassion and precision, improving satisfaction and trust in HR processes.

Ensured accuracy of a 20,000+ contact CRM, enhancing reporting reliability and supporting data-driven decision making.

Enhanced workplace efficiency and culture by maintaining supply chains, managing kitchen and reception needs, and ensuring clean, welcoming common areas.

Served as primary liaison for vendors and building partners, fostering strong relationships, addressing concerns proactively, and ensuring timely resolution of all issues.

Created a sense of camaraderie and inclusion during the challenges of COVID through online events and activity groups.

Front Desk Administrator / Employee Experience Specialist

As a single mom I wanted to be present for my son. I traded marketing plans for a brush and bowl, becoming a hair colorist, spending most of my years at Neiman Marcus. A meticulous, creative problem solver, I actively listened to clients and provided white glove customer service. 

Trained regularly locally and attending conferences across the USA including New York City.	

Developed personal brand through customized processes and design as well as targeted customer experiences.

Utilized social media including Instagram and Facebook to drive business through examples of work.

Entrepreneur - Hair Color Specialist, Corporate Break

The HR team player you wish you had. People Champion | Leave & Accommodation Ninja | Employee Experience Passionista | Dazzling Communicator | Strategic Business Writer | Policy & Procedure Developer

I spent 15 years as an elite hair colorist in top Dallas salons, including Neiman Marcus, where I learned how to listen, earn trust, and deliver unforgettable experiences.

Today I bring that same mindset to my next company. I know that when employees feel supported, they create better customer experiences, and when customers feel valued, the business thrives.

I’m at my best tackling tough projects, solving problems others avoid, and building programs that make a real impact.

If you want someone who understands how employee and customer experience work together to drive success, let’s connect.

Benefits & Absence Management Partner

• Advocate for employees during the FMLA & ADA process
• Oversee FMLA & ADA process in over 20 states, including New York, Washington, Ohio, and Pennsylvania
• Collaborate with regional and local teams to ensure employees are safe and under state and local laws
• Work with unions to ensure employment agreements are being applied
• Manage a spreadsheet detailing all active, future, worker's compensation, and modified work. 
• Calculate wages for employees on leave, submitting to payroll weekly
• Initiate and administer the employee separation process

Pop! Marketing Communications

Open to new projects! Influencer collaborations, media relations, social media strategy, social media content, social media community management, media experiences

Recent Work

Sazerac Company Employer Brand Social Media - January 2023 - October 2024

Hotel Northampton	Feb 2016 - present
Social Media/PR Consultant

Oversee social media management and media/influencer relations

HB Real Estate	Feb 2021 - November 2023
Social Media Consultant

Spearhead all aspects of social media community management, including content calendar and paid social media for busy real estate brokerage

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation	Feb 2016 - April 2022
Corporate Social Media & Blog Content Lead

Provided support and created training for social media content strategy/content for close to 300 US hotels

Led corporate social media brand accounts for up to 4 brands for growing hotel company

Created and managed blog content calendar, wrote content for blog.sonesta.com

Worked with marketing team on content for newsletter and corporate campaigns, supported by blog and social media

Represented the company on social media for customer service issues, liaised with customer care for resolution

Partnered with influencers and field marketing teams on collaborations

Created and revised corporate social standards, worked with legal team to maintain adherence to laws and regulations


Self Employed	June 2015 - present
Marketing Communications/PR Consultant

Full service social media management for Sonesta Hotels

Media relations, media tours, social media content, and destination marketing for Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council

Social media community management, web + email content for Olive Connection 

Social media strategy, content, community management for Nautical Gin

Social media strategy and content for Wines of Alentejo US

Social media strategy, content, and PR for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend

Social strategy, content, and influencer relations for Nova Star Cruises

Marketing Communications Consultant

Hotel Northampton

Since 2016 I have worked with Hotel Northampton on social media strategy, community management, content creation and curation, media relations, influencer campaigns, social sweepstakes, and other related activities.

Social Media Marketing Consultant

Sazerac Company

Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, University Relations, and Marketing teams on social strategy

Develop, maintain, and own the content strategy and calendar for all Sazerac Employer Brand platforms 

Plan, schedule and publish organic social content 

Write paid and organic copy for all major social media platforms

Monitor and moderate all social mentions across social channels to maintain engagement with followers (team members and future team members) 

Support Talent Acquisition with recruitment marketing and media requests related to sourcing candidates and overall recruitment advertising needs 

Work as a liaison between Talent Acquisition and Marketing teams to understand recruitment goals, design appropriate materials/content and place asset requests when necessary

Create and conduct training for Talent Acquisition and HR teams to support social distribution of open roles

Cultivate relationships with various departments to create opportunities for people and culture content and engagement

Employer Brand Social Media Manager - Contract

Sonesta Hotels

Corporate Social Media & Blog Content Lead

Provided support for social media content strategy/content for close to 300 US hotels

Led corporate social media brand accounts for up to 4 brands for a growing hotel company

Created and managed blog content calendar and wrote blog content for blog.sonesta.com

Published a monthly newsletter and corporate campaigns, supported by blog and social media

Represented the company on social media channels for guest/customer service issues and liaised with customer care for issue resolution

Partnered with influencers and property field marketing teams on collaborations

Created and revised corporate social standards, including working with a legal team to maintain adherence to laws and regulations

Travel, Wine, Dine

My blog, Travel, Wine, and Dine, which I  maintained as a creative and networking outlet for over nine years, expanded my knowledge of the food and beverage and hospitality industries. 
In addition, it has immersed me in Social Media, becoming a great asset to my career in the field. As my own social reach grows so does that of clients I am working with. 

My writing has been featured in a variety of places, most recently on Stay.com, a guide for Boston wine lovers: http://www.stay.com/boston/guides/555460-baac37b9/boston-for-wine-lovers/


http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/blogs/thenextgreatgeneration/2012/05/bostons_top_7_young_pinterest.html

It was also recognized as an account to follow and a must-read local food blog by BostInno: 

http://bostinno.com/2012/08/21/10-drool-worthy-local-foodie-accounts-to-follow-on-pinterest/

http://bostinno.com/2012/08/08/boston-food-bloggers/#ss__198643_1_0__ss

I am a Stay.com local expert.

Blogging has provided me with countless opportunities for writing, creating content strategy and editorial calendars, and networking with other bloggers and media outlets. The experience I have as a result of my blog has been an asset to my Marketing, Social Media, and PR work and the clients that I work with.

Travel and Food Blogger, Content Creator

Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council

In  this consulting role, I supported domestic and international public relations for a Massachusetts-based tourism office. I created pitches and press releases, conducted media and influencer outreach, planned media tours and itineraries, and followed up on coverage. 

In this role I worked closely with team members to support marketing and social media efforts and to develop ideas to drive tourism to the region.

Public Relations Communications Consultant

Developed content strategy, write copy, and managed engagement on all social media channels for hotel and restaurant

Developed media lists and relationships with relevant media to secure ongoing coverage of hotel renovation re-launch, special events, packages, and promotions

Wrote all communications, including press releases and email pitches 

Managed agency relationships, including search, creative, and media

Managed Marketing initiatives including website, emails, and collateral, as well as internal hotel guest and employee communications, signage, coupons, etc. 

Planned and promoted press and public events to drive traffic to and awareness about the hotel and restaurant

Worked closely with Director of Sales & Marketing and Director of Revenue to develop robust packages and event ideas 

Coordinated and hosted media opportunities including television and photo shoots

Managed online reputation and reported results weekly to the executive team

Developed and managed community relationships, secured opportunities for participation in culinary and charity events

Communications and Media Relations Manager, Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston

Connelly Partners

Coordinated and facilitated international and domestic media and trade familiarization tours to promote Massachusetts as a premier travel destination on behalf of the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Drafted press releases, press leads, and various other communications

Developed media lists and worked closely with key journalists to develop story ideas

Actively sought out opportunities to secure press coverage for clients

Tracked, clipped, and reported on press coverage on a monthly basis

Developed social media strategy and content recommendations

Planned and executed media events

Public Relations and Social Media Manager

Zipcar

Worked with Creative team on social media strategy

Developed social media content calendars

Provided direction for the social media efforts of City Marketing Managers around the US and UK

Worked on special projects such as contests and promotions

I was hired by Zipcar specifically on a contract basis, and though they hired a full time Social Media Manager, I continued to work with them as-needed to write content and work on special projects.

Social Media and Marketing Manager - Contract

Vista Higher Learning

Wrote and edited print and Web content, including press releases, brochures, sales collateral, and email campaigns

Developed and implemented early social media strategy for customer engagement 

Launched special promotions and contests to engage potential customers and education-related media 

Worked with the sales team to solicit feedback and ensure consistency and effectiveness of messages

Managed external vendors on the design and production of Marketing projects

Solicited product feedback by commissioning competitive Marketing reviews and surveys

Managed purchase requisitions and tracked invoices to budget

Managed advertising campaigns

Marketing Communications Manager

Marketing Communications Consultant and Advisor with experience in PR | Organic Social Media | Influencer Campaigns | Copywriting | Paid Social Media

I have over 15 years of communications experience, with a background that encompasses a variety of areas of work and industries, in-house, agency-side, and as an independent consultant. The following roles are just a few that I have held over the years. 

- Managed employer brand social media at Sazerac Company for almost two years
- Led public relations efforts for Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council for five years
- Worked with Sonesta Hotels for eight years, two years on-property as Communications and Media Relations Manager and six years as a consultant, leading corporate social media and blog efforts


My core competencies include social media strategy, content, and community management, influencer and media relations, copywriting projects, and paid social media campaigns. I have worked with clients across various industries, such as hospitality, real estate, education, and wine and spirits. I am passionate about creating engaging and authentic content, building strong and lasting relationships, and delivering results that exceed expectations.

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Tori Whaley, aPHR

Meghan Malloy

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