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Francine Zelaya
Global Human Resources Leader
Professional Background
Francine Zelaya is a highly accomplished and strategic leader in the field of Human Resources, bringing over 25 years of experience across various industries that are entrepreneurial, fast-paced, and purpose-driven. With a profound ability to develop strategic partnerships and cultivate an environment where both leaders and employees can thrive, Francine has established herself as a trusted HR partner. Her experiences span a diverse range of organizations, adeptly navigating through phases of start-ups, mergers, integrations, and reinventions. Her robust understanding of critical business acumen has been crucial in influencing organizational development and driving performance improvements.
As the current Executive Director of Human Resources at Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc., Francine is responsible for implementing strategies that align with the overall business goals and fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity. She has developed a deep understanding of the complexity within organizations, utilizing her background to lead workforce planning and performance management. With her expertise, she not only provides insight but also deliver tangible results that positively impact both employee engagement and organizational efficiencies.
Prior to her current role, Francine served as the Director of Human Resources at Autodesk, where she utilized her skills to enhance talent management and succession planning initiatives. Her previous tenure as the Principal HR Business Partner at Genentech allowed her to play an instrumental role in shaping the HR strategies that supported the company's transformation and growth within the biotechnology sector.
Education and Achievements
Francine Zelaya has a strong educational foundation that uniquely positions her in the realm of Human Resources. She earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology from San Francisco State University, which provided her with a deep understanding of human behavior—an essential element in HR. She further pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in Human Resources Management from Golden Gate University, where she enhanced her industry knowledge and competencies.
To complement her formal education, Francine completed various certifications that have enriched her HR skill set. These include the Assessment Certification (Benchmarks 360) from the Center for Creative Leadership and certification as an MBTI Certified Facilitator from the American Management Association. These credentials highlight her commitment to continuous learning and professional development, equipping her with the tools needed to facilitate effective coaching and performance management initiatives.
Key Strengths and Focus Areas
Francine’s professional journey has been characterized by her passion for leadership development, talent and succession management, and creating inclusive organizational cultures. Her core strengths lie in:
- Leadership Development: Francine specializes in coaching leaders to maximize their potential and foster high-performing teams within their organizations.
- Talent and Succession Management: She has implemented comprehensive talent management strategies that ensure organizations have the right talent pool ready to meet future challenges.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: Understanding the importance of a diverse workforce, she advocates for policies and practices that ensure inclusivity is not just a goal but a core value of the teams she leads.
- Performance Management: Francine emphasizes the need for constructive feedback and performance evaluation as critical elements of organizational success.
- Culture and Change Management: As organizations evolve, Francine equips them to embrace change through effective culture management strategies.
- Team & Organizational Development: She has developed programs that not only enhance team cohesion but also align organizational goals with employee performance and development.
- Workforce Planning: Francine employs data-driven approaches to workforce strategy, ensuring that organizations are well-prepared for future needs.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Francine Zelaya has achieved numerous accolades and milestones that underscore her expertise and dedication to the field of Human Resources. Her significant achievements include:
- Successfully leading HR transformations during high-stakes merger and acquisition phases, ensuring seamless integration and alignment of HR policies and employee engagement during transitions.
- Spearheading initiatives that improved employee retention and satisfaction rates through effective talent management and recognition programs at leading companies such as Autodesk and Genentech.
- Playing a crucial role in enhancing diversity and inclusion initiatives, resulting in more equitable workplace practices that foster greater employee engagement and satisfaction.
- Developing, implementing, and leading training programs that have significantly enhanced leadership capabilities within organizations, contributing to employee growth and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Francine Zelaya’s well-rounded experience, impressive educational background, and deep-rooted passion for enhancing organizational effectiveness make her a leader in the Human Resources domain. Her journey exemplifies the critical role that Human Resources plays in driving business success through effective leadership, talent management, and cultural development. As she continues to lead organizations through the dynamic landscape of today’s workforce, her expertise will undoubtedly guide those around her toward achieving their professional aspirations.
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