Allison Lixl
Richmond
Summary
Dynamic compensation and human resources leader with over 16 years of progressive experience in both higher education and Fortune 500 environments. Proven success leading complex, enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen compensation practices, improve organizational alignment, and support institutional goals. Recognized as a trusted advisor who builds strong relationships, influences stakeholders at all levels, and translates complex data into actionable solutions. Combines deep analytical expertise with a collaborative leadership style and a passion for developing people, driving change, and delivering results.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Compensation Program Manager
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
01.2025 - Current
- Lead the university's compensation programs, including market pricing, salary administration, compensation analyses, and strategic consultation for HR professionals and university leaders.
- Lead participation in CUPA-HR, Willis Towers Watson, and Altura compensation surveys, ensuring accurate market benchmarking data to support compensation strategy and salary structure decisions.
- Lead annual salary range refresh (faculty, staff, and hourly ranges), evaluating market competitiveness, internal equity, and compensation philosophy alignment.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to HR and university leadership on compensation best practices, job evaluation, classification, organizational design, and pay-related decision making.
- Implemented recommendations from an audit of our compensation function by Internal Audit, including changes to university policy, process improvements, governance updates, and stakeholder training.
- Conduct compensation reviews and market analyses for new positions, organizational restructures, and individual pay decisions.
- Lead completion of annual Workforce Planning and Employment Opportunities reports for the Commonwealth of Virginia, ensuring compliance and timely submission.
- Perform ongoing audits of exemption status, minimum wage compliance, job classifications, position slotting, and workforce data to mitigate institutional risk and strengthen data integrity.
- Serve as primary administrator of the Job Summary Tool, conducting a comprehensive audit and data correction effort to improve accuracy and compliance.
- Partner with senior leaders and HR professionals across the university to support workforce planning, compensation strategy, and organizational effectiveness initiatives.
- Served on the core implementation team for VCU Jobs, representing compensation and classification interests throughout system design, testing, training, and deployment activities.
- Redesigned university-wide position description templates, conducting extensive research on physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental job requirements to strengthen compliance and documentation standards.
- Coordinated collection and review of position descriptions across multiple schools and administrative units, leading a large-scale data and change management initiative.
- Developed training materials, process documentation, and end-user resources to support successful system adoption and operational readiness.
- Collaborated with peer institutions to research and evaluate best practices related to compensation administration and pay action workflows in a new HRIS environment.
- Played a key leadership role in the university's Research Job Family Project, partnering with stakeholders to advance job architecture, classification, recruitment, and compensation initiatives.
- Contributed to Compensation and Job Architecture workgroups responsible for developing frameworks that support organizational consistency, career growth, and internal equity.
- Led stakeholder meetings, data analysis, and development of tools and resources supporting recruitment, classification, and workforce planning efforts.
- Supported university-wide job slotting and reslotting initiatives to improve consistency and alignment across schools and departments.
- Delivered presentations to HR professionals, senior leaders, and research administrators on compensation, job architecture, and organizational initiatives.
- Chair, HR Career Community, leading an executive team responsible for professional development, networking, and employee engagement initiatives across the university.
- Successfully led executive team succession planning, elections, onboarding, and leadership transition efforts.
- Supervised and developed student and hourly employees through coaching, training, and performance guidance.
- Frequently represented department leadership in HR leadership meetings and university-wide initiatives.
- Built collaborative partnerships with stakeholders across academic and administrative units to drive successful implementation of strategic HR initiatives.
Workforce and Compensation Consultant
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
06.2022 - 01.2025
- Functioned as a subject matter expert in recruitment for VCU, providing insights on talent acquisition and labor market trends.
- Led compensation review processes by evaluating market pricing for pay range adjustments. Oversaw competitive compensation analysis to ensure alignment with industry standards. Managed market pricing assessments for new roles to enhance recruitment strategies.
- Partnered with HR business partners and hiring managers to implement forward-thinking recruitment initiatives that distinguish VCU in the competitive job market.
- Championed data analysis on turnover and time-to-fill metrics. Presented insights and strategic recommendations for enhancing employee retention and recruitment initiatives.
- Conducted comprehensive market analysis to develop competitive compensation structures that enhance employee retention.
- Executed comprehensive job evaluations to uphold equitable pay practices across departments.
- Collaborated with HR teams to develop and implement effective compensation frameworks aimed at attracting and retaining top talent.
- Analyzed compensation regulations and advised leadership on compliance strategies to reduce potential organizational risks.
- Participated in industry surveys to gather market intelligence for ongoing competitiveness analyses.
- Delivered comprehensive training on compensation policies and procedures, enhancing understanding of pay practices among employees.
- Reviewed and revised compensation program documentation, ensuring alignment with current regulations and best practices.
- Advised management on appropriate salary adjustments during promotions or transfers, considering both internal equity and market competitiveness factors.
Staffing and Scheduling Administrator
Lowe's
Charlottesville, VA
12.2019 - 06.2022
- Implemented strategic staffing solutions to support operational efficiency and enhance team performance in a store with over 200 associates.
- Consistently ranked as the highest performing employee in SSA role across thirteen district locations. Contributed to successful training and integration of new employees in the SSA role at multiple sites.
- Resolved employee relations issues effectively, contributing to a positive workplace culture. Streamlined leave accommodations and worker's compensation claims for timely employee support. Enhanced employee understanding of benefits through proactive enrollment assistance.
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of annual employee opinion survey results, implementing strategies to enhance employee engagement and support organizational transformation.
- Coordinated timekeeping and payroll processes while maintaining accurate store schedules to support staffing needs.
Team Leader / Assistant Store Manager
Whole Foods / Amazon
Asheville, NC
10.2010 - 08.2019
- Created a culture of accountability and empowerment through conscientious leadership, transparency, and a commitment to team member growth and development
- Directed recruitment, coaching, development, and evaluation of over 100 team members and emerging leaders.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new supervisors and managers to strengthen leadership development and succession planning.
- Implemented strategies for employee relations and performance management to enhance staffing and scheduling efficiency.
- Facilitated partnerships with organizational leaders to optimize workforce performance and improve overall customer service delivery.
- Achieved strong financial performance across departments through diligent oversight. Produced and delivered weekly KPI reports to inform regional management decisions.
- Exceeded profitability targets consistently at various locations throughout career. Achieved a 10% increase in year-over-year sales comparisons in 2018, surpassing company goal of 3%.
- Achieved top ratings in global process audits by leading the successful rollout of enhanced purchasing and record-keeping processes. Facilitated the adoption of stringent processes that significantly improved operational efficiency.
- Managed comprehensive performance management activities, ensuring timely evaluations, implementation of improvement plans, and execution of terminations.
- Implemented strategies for inventory control and operational efficiency, resulting in improved sales performance and reduced waste.
- Facilitated conflict resolution and inspired team cohesion during Whole Foods' acquisition by Amazon.
Education
Master of Business Administration -
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VABachelor of Arts - English And Creative Writing
Warren Wilson College
Asheville, NCSkills
- Compensation Strategy & Job Architecture
- Salary Structure Design & Market Pricing
- Executive Consultation & Stakeholder Alignment
- Workforce Planning & Org Effectiveness
- Compliance, Pay Equity & Risk Mitigation
- Change Management & Team Leadership
Affiliations
Richmond Compensation Association
World at Work
Richmond SHRM
Certification
- Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional - 2022 - present
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - 2023 - present
Timeline
Compensation Program Manager
Virginia Commonwealth University
01.2025 - Current
Workforce and Compensation Consultant
Virginia Commonwealth University
06.2022 - 01.2025
Staffing and Scheduling Administrator
Lowe's
12.2019 - 06.2022
Team Leader / Assistant Store Manager
Whole Foods / Amazon
10.2010 - 08.2019
Master of Business Administration -
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Arts - English And Creative Writing
Warren Wilson College
HR Systems & Analytics Tools
Workday
Banner
MarketPay (Payscale)
CUPA-HR Data on Demand
BrassRing
Cornerstone