Lisa Ahlness
5610 Laurel Ave. Apt 310 Golden Valley
Summary
Talent acquisition partner with proven expertise in sourcing and screening high-caliber candidates using innovative recruiting methods. Builds strong relationships with candidates to effectively communicate organizational mission and values. Dedicated to enhancing diversity of thought by encouraging open dialogue around individual perspectives, driving growth and innovation.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Talent Acquisition Partner
St. Croix Hospice
Mendota Heights
2024.07 - Current
- Achieved 317 placements in 2025, accounting for 26.6% of total placements at St. Croix Hospice.
- Developed market strategy and executed full-cycle recruiting for clinical positions.
- Advocated for 15% salary increase for RNs in Missouri to enhance talent retention.
- Sourced and screened candidates using diverse strategies, including direct purchase of RN mailing list.
- Maintained average time to fill positions between 15 and 30 days.
Early Careers Recruiter
UnitedHealth Group
Minnetonka
2022.02 - 2023.10
- Consulted complex business groups to develop and execute campus strategies, achieving 96.5% fill rate with 110 of 114 positions filled in fall 22-23 season.
- Managed candidate communications throughout recruitment process, resulting in acceptance of 21 of 25 conversion offers for 2021-2022 season.
- Leveraged talent intelligence tools to innovate campus recruitment strategy and attract diverse talent.
- Acted as consultant to campus teams, influencing stakeholders and leveraging data to enhance recruitment outcomes.
- Assessed candidates through interviews and participated in career fairs to identify top talent.
- Coordinated organization and execution of office visits for final candidate selection.
- Maintained proactive communication on recruitment trends with hiring managers to drive informed decisions.
- Drove continuous improvement in recruitment strategies to remain competitive in the marketplace.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
RM/Marquis Senior Communites
Golden Valley
2020.08 - 2022.01
- Streamlined the full-cycle recruitment process for eight assisted living facilities, handling 30-55 openings concurrently.
- Collaborated with executives and directors to meet strategic hiring objectives.
- Deployed a new applicant tracking system, enhancing electronic onboarding and new hire documentation.
- Utilized diverse sourcing strategies to cold call and attract qualified candidates.
- Managed recruitment for eight assisted living facilities, balancing 30-55 open positions.
- Partnered with leadership to align hiring processes with organizational goals.
- Introduced and implemented an advanced applicant tracking system for improved onboarding efficiency.
- Sourced top talent through innovative cold-calling techniques and multiple strategies.
- Facilitated recruitment across eight metro Minnesota facilities, managing 30-55 job openings simultaneously.
- Worked alongside senior management to ensure alignment in recruitment targets.
- Implemented a cutting-edge applicant tracking system, streamlining onboarding and paperwork procedures.
- Leveraged various sourcing methods to attract and engage prospective candidates.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Allina Health System
Minneapolis
2017.07 - 2020.08
- Executed full cycle recruitment for mental health and social services, achieving sixty to ninety hires per quarter.
- Collaborated with hiring leaders and HR professionals to meet recruitment targets.
- Managed ATS tracking system using IBM Watson Talent and Kenexa Talent Management.
- Trained and mentored new recruiters in effective interviewing and candidate qualification strategies.
- Co-led talent acquisition department as a well-being champion, promoting Allina Health's whole person care philosophy.
Regional Recruitment Manager
Kindred Healthcare
Bloomington
2015.12 - 2017.03
- Managed full-cycle recruitment for 26 home health and hospice branches across seven states, handling 90-120 openings at any time.
- Averaged 150-200 hires per quarter through strategic recruitment initiatives.
- Planned and executed recruitment events, including open houses and continuing education sessions to attract candidates.
- Collaborated with hiring leaders and HR professionals to meet organizational hiring goals.
- Developed relationships with executive directors and regional leadership to address hiring needs.
- Recruited for various roles, including management positions, physical therapists, social workers, registered nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and spiritual care providers.
Territory Talent Recruiter
Kohl's Department
Maple Grove
2012.08 - 2014.08
- Recruited top talent for assistant store managers and store managers across four regions with over 300 stores.
- Built strong relationships with candidates, peers, and business partners to strengthen recruitment initiatives.
- Maintained warm communication with candidates to enhance engagement throughout hiring processes.
- Managed recruitment needs across multiple markets, adapting to changing business requirements.
- Supported university relations by hiring interns and managers in training to cultivate future leaders.
- Planned and participated in campus events to attract talent and maintain visibility.
Regional Talent Assistant
Kohl's Department Stores
Maple Grove
2011.10 - 2012.08
- Oversaw daily operations of regional talent office covering 69 stores across 5 districts.
- Facilitated recruitment of external executive candidates through cold calling, sourcing websites, and referrals.
- Strengthened university recruiting by building campus relationships and organizing interview events for internships and manager-in-training positions.
- Successfully recruited 20 interns and 14 manager-in-training positions with a 90% conversion rate.
- Managed completion of executive onboarding process, including background checks, reference checks, and training materials.
- Supported talent builders and coordinated development days to enhance employee skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Minnesota State University
2008
Skills
- Sourcing and cold calling
- Negotiation skills
- Active listening
- Relationship building
- ATS proficiency
- LinkedIn recruiting
- University relations
Timeline
Talent Acquisition Partner
St. Croix Hospice
2024.07 - Current
Early Careers Recruiter
UnitedHealth Group
2022.02 - 2023.10
Talent Acquisition Specialist
RM/Marquis Senior Communites
2020.08 - 2022.01
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Allina Health System
2017.07 - 2020.08
Regional Recruitment Manager
Kindred Healthcare
2015.12 - 2017.03
Territory Talent Recruiter
Kohl's Department
2012.08 - 2014.08
Regional Talent Assistant
Kohl's Department Stores
2011.10 - 2012.08
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Minnesota State University