In
Daniel Groves
Profile
Dan Groves came to WVU with intentions of being an Industrial Engineer. He liked math and science, but wanted a degree that would give him a chance to directly impact people. What he didn’t realize at the time was that his career would involve working in seven different industries.
Dan began his career with Andersen Consulting (now Accenture). He was involved in systems implementation. It was at this time that he got his first taste of Human Resources (HR) work when he when he was involved in various Human Resource Information System (HRIS) and payroll systems implementations.
Dan decided to return home to work for Weirton Steel. Industrial Engineering was a part of the Human Resources function and Dan started becoming more involved in HR applications. Dan really enjoyed what he was doing so he decided to get a Master degree in Human Resources.
Over the next 13 years, Dan worked in companies representing manufacturing, healthcare, and banking in HR roles. While the transition to HR may seem unusual, Dan explains that his Industrial Engineering background gives him a unique perspective in looking at HR issues.
When asked if making the transition to different types of industries was tough, Dan says that “the principles you learn are applicable in every type of business, but you have to be flexible in how you approach each business. You can’t force something that worked in one business in to another business.”
The threshold moment in Dan’s career came when he worked for Highmark, a healthcare insurance company. His level of influence increased greatly as he worked to rebuild the credibility in the HR function that had been lost in specific areas
In Dan’s current position, he has responsibility for:
- Payroll/compensation
- Benefits
- Labor relations
- Employee engagement/employment culture
- Organization design/change management
- Diversity and inclusion programs
- Training and development
- College recruiting and staffing
- Succession planning
Dan is especially proud of the times that he had been able to make a difference in someone’s life. “In HR, you really do impact a lot of people,” Dan explains.
Bio
Daniel R. Groves
Vice President, Human Resources
Dan Groves was elected Vice President, Human Resources for Koppers Inc. in May 2011. Prior to joining Koppers, Mr. Groves was a senior vice president for PNC Bank providing support to the Finance and Realty Services organizations. Previous to his tenure at PNC, he was with Highmark Inc. as vice president of human resources. He has also held HR leadership positions at several other organizations, including Weirton Steel Corporation and Pepsi. Mr. Groves has a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University and a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management from LaRoche College.
His professional experience includes:
KOPPERS INC. – Pittsburgh, PA 05/11 – Present
Vice President – Human Resources
Responsible for providing comprehensive strategic Human Resources support for all Koppers global businesses, as well as thought leadership on human capital issues to ensure the corporation is able to meet its business objectives.
PNC Bank – Pittsburgh, PA 05/10 – 05/11
Senior Vice President, HR Business Partner
Responsible for partnering with the CFO of the company to ensure that effective/strategic HR support was delivered to the 1200 employees in the Finance & Realty Services organizations, and for driving the support provided by the various HR core functions.
HIGHMARK INC. – Pittsburgh, PA 05/04 – 07/09
Vice President – Human Resources 04/07 – 07/09
Responsible for leading a team of 140 HR professionals providing Employee Relations, Staffing, Training, Diversity, Safety/Security and Shared Services support to over 20,000 employees at multiple locations and in multiple businesses throughout the corporation. Provided thought leadership on human capital issues to ensure the corporation was able to meet its business objectives.
OUTSOURCING SOLUTIONS, INC. (OSI) – Pittsburgh, PA 04/00 – 05/04
Regional Director of Human Resources
Partnered with key operations leaders while leading critical HR operations and strategy initiatives for a region that included 2000 employees located throughout multiple, nation-wide locations. Served as a key member of the OSI Senior Human Resources Team, leading twenty field HR professionals located nation-wide, and directing corporate compensation programs covering over 1300 exempt employees.
THE PEPSI BOTTLING GROUP – McKees Rocks, PA 05/98 – 04/00
Human Resources Manager
Partnered with Market Unit General Manager to drive Human Resources and Operations initiatives. Directed all Human Resources functions covering five locations and over 450 employees.
WEIRTON STEEL CORPORATION – Weirton, WV 10/90 – 5/98
Salary Compensation Manager 06/97 – 05/98
Enhanced the credibility of the Human Resources function by providing uncompromising and technically sound HR generalist support to internal clients, and by successfully bridging the gap between corporate and field entities. Partnered with key operations and corporate leaders to implement changes to combat the dramatic challenges that existed in the steel industry.
ANDERSEN CONSULTING (Now Accenture) – Pittsburgh, PA 05/88 – 10/90
Management Information Consultant
Consulted with clients on various systems customization, implementation and conversion projects.
Education
La Roche College – Pittsburgh, PA West Virginia University – Morgantown, WV
MS, Human Resources Management BS, Industrial Engineering
