Brenda Schauf

Professional Background

Bren Schauf is a highly experienced Strategic HR Business Partner with an extensive and illustrious career in human resources, workforce planning, and talent management. With a strong focus on enhancing operational efficiency and employee engagement, Bren has held pivotal positions in influential organizations, where strategic thinking and innovative HR solutions have made a lasting impact.

Bren commenced their career at Target, where they worked as a Human Resources Manager/Generalist. This role provided a solid foundation in HR practices and organizational dynamics. Bren honed their management skills further at Caribou Coffee, advancing through various positions from Sr. Manager of Recruitment to Sr. Human Resources Manager and finally becoming the Regional HR Manager. These roles equipped Bren with a comprehensive understanding of recruitment strategies, employee engagement initiatives, and performance management frameworks.

Bren’s dedication to the field of human resources saw them transition into leadership roles, with significant positions including Regional HR Director at The Home Depot and Interim Vice President Human Resources at Border Foods Companies. In these roles, Bren was instrumental in overseeing large teams and driving impactful HR initiatives that enhanced organizational culture and performance.

Most notably, Bren served as Vice President of Human Resources at Granite City Food & Brewery where leadership was crucial to align the HR strategy with business goals, ultimately leading to increased employee satisfaction and retention. Currently, Bren holds the position of Vice President of Human Resources at Rahr Corporation, where they continue to drive talent acquisition and management strategies across the organization, ensuring the integration of best practices in HR.

Education and Achievements

Bren Schauf obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. This educational background provided a firm grounding in core business principles, which play a significant role in Bren’s ability to navigate complex workforce challenges. Additionally, Bren has pursued further education through the SHRM Learning System at both Marquette University and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The SHRM Learning System equips HR professionals with the knowledge to manage diverse workplace challenges, reflecting Bren's commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Through years of dedicated service, Bren has accumulated a wealth of expertise in various facets of human resources. Their proficiency spans several areas including talent management, organizational development, employee engagement, and diversity and inclusion. Bren’s innovative approaches in these domains contribute to establishing a thriving workplace environment that values and retains talent.

Among Bren’s notable achievements are the successful implementation of HR policies and processes that drive compliance, improve employee relations, and foster a culture of change management. By focusing on total rewards and recognition, Bren has also significantly enhanced employee engagement and satisfaction across the organizations they have worked for.

Notable Contributions

Bren’s holistic approach towards HR has not only driven performance but also encouraged a positive workplace culture. As a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion, Bren has been at the forefront of initiatives that create a level playing field for all employees, reflecting their belief that a diverse workforce enhances organizational effectiveness. Furthermore, their emphasis on employment branding has allowed organizations to attract and retain top talent, reinforcing Bren’s status as a key player in the HR landscape.

Bren's adeptness in aligning workforce strategies with business objectives, coupled with a deep understanding of employee needs, highlights their commitment to fostering organizational excellence. This versatile skillset has been essential in navigating the complexities of HR operations, making Bren an invaluable asset in any setting.