Open to opportunities

Grace Southerland

@gracesoutherland

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I build scalable people strategy, compensation, payroll, and HR technology infrastructure for growing organizations.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to lead or advise growing organizations on people strategy, compensation, payroll, HR technology, compliance, workforce planning, and scalable talent infrastructure.

I've led people and talent functions for Tombras Group and Johannes Leonardo, partnering directly with founders, CEOs, and executive teams through growth, restructuring, and workforce change.

At Tombras Group, I led a six-person People and Talent team supporting nearly 500 employees across 38 states. I increased diverse hiring by 44%, launched the organization’s first internal mentorship program, and developed performance-management operations that saved $25,000.

I build practical people infrastructure across compensation, payroll, benefits, compliance, workforce planning, and HRIS/HCM transformation. I’m now advising fast-growing companies on scalable systems, regulatory risk, talent strategy, retention, and organizational growth.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Fractional People Strategy Consultant

Current

GO Fractional

Jan 2026 - Present (8 months)

Lead fractional People Strategy initiatives for fast-growing companies, advising executive leadership on regulatory risk, workforce planning, change management, and talent acquisition. Select and facilitate HCM/HRIS technology and scalable policies to support growth and reduce turnover.

People Strategy Workforce Planning Change Management Talent Acquisition HCM HRIS Regulatory Compliance Process Optimization

Family Care Sabbatical

Jan 2024 - Jan 2026 (2 years)

Took a planned career sabbatical to serve as primary caregiver for an immediate family member with a serious medical condition while managing family responsibilities.

Senior Vice President, Director of Talent

Tombras Group

Jan 2022 - Dec 2024 (2 years 11 months)

Led the People and Talent function for a nationally recognized digital advertising agency with nearly 500 employees across 38 states. Partnered with C-suite leaders to align people strategy, compensation, compliance, and organizational infrastructure with business priorities.

Talent Management Compensation Strategy Pay Equity Performance Management Benefits Strategy Compliance Organizational Design Succession Planning Workforce Planning People Analytics HRIS HCM Talent Acquisition

Director of Human Resources

Johannes Leonardo

Jan 2011 - Dec 2021 (10 years 11 months)

Led the Human Resources function for a rapidly growing creative advertising agency, scaling the organization from 20 to 205 employees. Served as a strategic partner to founders and C-level leadership while building HR, compensation, payroll, benefits, technology, compliance, and people infrastructure.