John Savas

Programs Co-Chair

jsavas@ffginc.com

John Savas became involved with SHRP for professional development, networking, and to further promote the HR discipline in the workplace. His goal is to enhance the programs committee to offer innovative programs to increase membership and get existing members more involved.

John believes that HR professionals must better understand the business they work for. They need to understand the competition, the product offerings, the challenges, and ways they can contribute to the success of the organization. It is much deeper than the transactional capabilities that most HR professionals are saddled with. To be recognized as a business partner, they must contribute at a much higher level.

John's qualification include:

• Over 20 years of human resource experience in a variety of industries including public and private companies, family-owned businesses, and non-profit organizations.
• Throughout his corporate career, he has been exposed to virtually all areas within HR and would be characterized as a true HR generalist. He has successfully managed and participated in projects relating to strategic planning, performance management, re-designing health and retirement benefit programs, leadership training, employee and labor relations, total rewards and compensation, and various talent management initiatives.
• At Tuthill Corporation, he was successful in starting-up the company's first corporate Human Resources Department.
• Management positions with DSC Logistics and The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
• Much of his corporate life was dedicated to improving processes and systems, developing the people around him, and adding value to organizations by documenting and quantifying the successes of the Human Resource function.
• M.B.A. and a Bachelor of Science degree in Personnel and Industrial Relations Management from Northern Illinois University.
• Member of the Board of Directors of the James R. Jordan Club of Chicago.
• He maintains the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).