Brenda Gilchrist

Owner & Principal Consultant

I’m the owner of HR Matrix, which I cofounded with my former business partner in 2006. I manage an amazing team of HR consultants and directly consult with clients on strategic level HR needs. With over 25 years of HR Management experience, I have held executive level HR positions in mid-size, large, and multi-state corporations as well as start-ups.

My approach to HR combines a keen insight into company culture, strategy, operations, and best practices to help clients better understand their own needs. I have a collaborative style that promotes open discussion and focus on solutions that advance the client's long term goals.

Noted areas of expertise:

Strategic HR; aligning company-wide strategic plans with operational needs
Compensation studies and design, executive compensation reviews/incentive plans
Interim Executive/Director of HR for organizations in transition
HR Optimization assessment of existing HR departments and staff
Employee relations & legal compliance
Employee transitions: layoffs & termination
Investigations - neutral investigator for in-house complaints
Recruitment; talent acquisition strategies; infrastructure and creating concierge recruitment models
Performance management programs
Employee & managerial training
Employee engagement surveys and follow-up action planning sessions
Coaching managers and HR staff

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from CSU, Sacramento, and a Master's Degree in Organizational Dynamics from University of Pennsylvania. I have been a member of SHRM, PASCO, and NCHRA and certified SPHR. I was recognized as a top business leader and HR professional by North Bay Business Journal and have enjoyed the opportunity to be an HR keynote speaker for several HR associations. I was a founding member of the EMBA program and adjunct professor at Sonoma State University, teaching Talent Management for 5 years. I feel blessed and grateful for all my interactions and opportunities with clients, HR professionals, EMBA students, and the business community.

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