Kate Piña, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
Executive HR Leader

Ruby HR Group | VP HR Division | JAN 2013 - Present

 

​Overview: Since 2017, I’ve been the go-to “break glass in case of emergency” HR executive - stepping into interim and fractional leadership roles during moments of critical transition, rapid growth, or organizational crisis. Through Ruby HR Group, I’ve provided hands-on, high-impact HR leadership to healthcare systems, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations across the country.

 

This work has made me adaptable, quick to build trust, and highly effective at entering new environments, identifying what’s working (and what isn’t), and creating clear, people-centered solutions. I’ve led full-scale HR transformations, implemented complex HR tech systems (HRIS, ATS, payroll, LMS), built entire HR infrastructures from the ground up, and helped modernize departments to be more strategic, responsive, and aligned with business goals.

 

My strength lies in balancing strategic vision with operational execution—and doing it all with a deep respect for people. I don’t believe HR should feel like it’s happening to people, but rather with them. Whether leading union negotiations, developing leadership pipelines, or navigating organizational change, I aim to foster inclusive, transparent, and purpose-driven workplaces.

 

Interim Director of HR - CMC, Asante Health System

Medford, OR (6000+ EEs) | MAR 2025 - Present​

• Spearheading a comprehensive evaluation of talent acquisition strategy, including traveler utilization reduction, recruiting process redesign, and provider pipeline development

• Partnering with executive leadership to co-create a system-wide talent management roadmap aligned with succession planning, career development, and internal mobility goals

• Leading implementation of continuous improvement initiatives across HR, including process documentation, strategic workforce planning, and engagement with cross-functional PI effort                                                                                                              

Interim Chief People Officer - Tivurcio Vasquez Health Center

Hayward, CA | JUL 2024 - Present

• Led executive HR operations for a 400+ employee FQHC during a critical leadership transition, overseeing restructuring and union (SEIU) negotiations

• Implemented new payroll, HRIS, ATS, LMS, and reference platforms to support operational modernization

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Interim Chief HR Officer - Bay Area Hospital

Coos Bay, OR | MAR 2024 - JUL 2024

• Provided interim HR leadership for a 1,200+ employee district hospital during a strategic leadership vacancy

• Directed a team of 13 HR professionals across HRBP, talent, benefits, compensation, and HRIS functions

• Successfully managed union relations/negotiations with Teamsters, ONA, and UFCW

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Interim Chief HR Officer - Friendship Place

Washington, DC | MAR 2023 - FEB 2024

• Oversaw organizational HR strategy for a nonprofit of 200+ employees focused on ending homelessness

• Rebuilt leadership recruiting pipelines and guided the organization through DEI initiatives

• Negotiation and optimized employee benefit offerings during fiscal budget revisions

 

Interim HR Director/System CHRO - BE Smith | North Country Healthcare

Whitefield, NH | MAR 2020 - APR 2023

• Led HR operations for 1,200+ employees across three hospitals and a home health agency, becoming a system

• Consolidated HR processes across affiliate organizations and built core HR infrastructure from scratch

• Designed and rolled out the LEAD (Leadership Engagement & Development) program, enhancing leadership readiness and retention

 

Interim Chief HR Officer - Lake Chelan Community Hospital

Chelan, WA | MAY 2019 - FEB 2020

• Built & deployed core HR infrastructure – including payroll, performance, compensation, and benefit systems

• Launched hospital-wide employee engagement initiatives, including culture committees and feedback loops

• Introduced HR analytics and strategic reporting to enhance leadership insight & decision-making

 

Interim Talent Acquisition Manager - BE Smith | Yukon Kuskokwin Health Corporation

Bethel, AK | SEP 2018 - MAY 2019

• Provided HR leadership for a 1,600+ employee healthcare system serving 50 remote communities

• Led the organization through Joint Commission audit readiness with zero critical HR findings

• Stabilized talent acquisition operations and improved onboarding effectiveness during a period of turnover

 

Additional Experience

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(Contract) VP of Human Resources

Body Sculpt Intl, LLC & Aesthetic Physicians Group

dba, Sono Bello | 2017 - 2018

• 360+ Employees - multiple states, including CA - 36 Cosmetic surgery clinics nationwide

• Hired to transition from a PEO to in-house Payroll, Talent, and HR departments

 

Chief HR Officer/Support Services

Wickenburg Community Hospital | 2014 - 2017

• 260+ Employees - Non-Profit 19-bed acute care, Level 4 trauma center ER, Community clinics, & Surgical center

 

Director of Human Resources

Sagewood & Acacia Health Center | 2011 - 2014

• 350+ Employees - Assisted living & skilled nursing health center, senior retirement housing, & restaurants

 

Military Experience

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Law Office Superintendent | Master Sergeant

United States Air Force | Honorably Retired - MAR 2013

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