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Soni Harney
Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at MidWestOne Bank
Professional Background
Soni Harney is a distinguished senior level human resources professional with over thirty years of dedicated experience in the community banking sector. Currently, she holds the position of Senior Vice President & Director of Human Resources at MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc., where she plays a vital role in shaping the organizational culture and driving strategic human resource initiatives. Soni’s extensive management responsibilities encompass overseeing EEO and affirmative action compliance, developing comprehensive human resource policies, and executing executive and staff recruiting strategies.
As a senior leader, Soni is responsible for managing a team that includes Human Resources Officers, a Training & Development Officer, Payroll personnel, and various support staff members. Her leadership extends beyond just operational management; Soni is the Chairperson for the Human Resources Committee and an active member of several critical committees within the organization, including the MidWestOne Financial Senior Management Committee, M&A Due Diligence Team, Strategic Planning, Insurance, and Retirement committees, as well as serving as the Compensation Committee Secretary to the Board of Directors. This multifaceted involvement illustrates her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages organizational success.
Education and Achievements
Soni Harney’s impressive educational background fortifies her expertise in the field of human resources management. She studied at the esteemed Aba Graduate School Of HR Management and also pursued banking studies at the Iowa School Of Banking. These academic credentials provide her with a strong foundation in both human resources frameworks and banking operations, allowing her to excel in her roles and make impactful contributions in the community banking industry.
Throughout her career, Soni has demonstrated exceptional skill in human resource policy development, employee relations, staff development, and organizational leadership. Her strategic vision and ability to foster an adaptable work environment have been pivotal in driving workforce engagement and improving overall company performance.
Notable Achievements
In her role at MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc., Soni Harney has successfully spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing employee relations and ensuring effective staff development programs. By implementing tailored training and development programs, she has helped cultivate talent within the organization, empowering employees to reach their full potential.
Moreover, Soni’s commitment to compliance with EEO and affirmative action laws reflects her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace, ensuring that the company's practices resonate with contemporary standards of social responsibility. Her strategic input in various committees showcases her ability to effectively collaborate with other senior leaders, ensuring that human resources considerations are integral to the company’s overarching business strategies.
Under her leadership, different human resources programs have seen improved outcomes, including innovative compensation structures and streamlined payroll processes that contribute to both employee satisfaction and organizational efficiency. Soni's career trajectory not only highlights her personal growth, but also underscores her pivotal role in advancing the strategic goals of MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. through effective human resource management.
Notable Achievements
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