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Jessica Runyon

@jessicarunyon

Message

I lead defensible employee relations investigations and strengthen organizational culture.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead employee relations, workplace investigations, and people strategy work where I can partner closely with leaders and Legal, strengthen trust, and help build healthier, more effective workplaces.

At Whole Foods Market, I lead complex, high-risk employee relations investigations involving harassment, discrimination, and Code of Business Conduct allegations. I partner with HR, Legal, Operations, and senior leadership across the U.S., Canada, and UK to reach impartial, defensible outcomes.

I manage Attorney-Client Privileged matters with discretion and rigorous evidence analysis, maintaining a 15-day average investigation turnaround against a 19-day goal. I’ve also QA reviewed 100+ investigation reports and mentored approximately 30 investigators on case management, interviewing, and report writing.

Across 12+ years in HR, I’ve coached leaders, supported talent and organizational change, and led learning initiatives for thousands of Team Members. I bring empathy, sound judgment, and a practical focus on building healthier, more effective workplaces.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Principal Employee Relations Investigator

Current

Whole Foods Market

Mar 2023 - Present (3 years 6 months)

Conducts complex, high-risk employee relations investigations, including sexual harassment and discrimination cases, with a focus on impartial fact-finding and legal compliance. Provides global investigative support and mentors investigators to improve case quality.

Employee Relations Workplace Investigations Credibility Assessment Evidence Analysis Employment Law FMLA ADA HIPAA Attorney Client Privilege Investigative Interviews AI Assisted Workflows ThinkLP QA Review Mentorship

HR Business Partner

Whole Foods Market

Mar 2014 - Mar 2023 (9 years)

Served as a strategic HR partner to operational leaders across a multi-state region, advising on employee relations, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. Led investigations and guided large-scale HR system implementations.

Employee Relations Leadership Development Talent Strategy Organizational Effectiveness Conflict Resolution Investigation Workday Cornerstone Kronos DE&I Coaching

Regional Educator

Whole Foods Market

Mar 2011 - Mar 2014 (3 years)

Led Learning & Development initiatives for approximately 2,000 team members across 8 locations, delivering Train-the-Trainer and compliance programs. Developed and facilitated large-scale curriculum on quality standards and company culture.

Learning and Development Training Curriculum Development Facilitation Train The Trainer (TTT)Compliance Quality Standards Hospitality