Allison Pugh is an experienced HR consultant who partners with organizations—from early-stage startups to long-established companies—to build clear, practical people strategies that work in the real world. She brings deep expertise in employee and labor relations, benefits and leave administration, and compliance, and is known for making complex HR topics approachable and actionable for leaders. Allison is especially energized by helping teams navigate change, whether during growth, transitions, or challenging employee situations. She works closely with clients to create thoughtful, compliant solutions that support both business objectives and employee well-being.
Professional Specialties
Areas of Expertise
- Employee & Labor Relations
- Benefits & Leave Administration (FMLA, ADA, state leave)
- HR Compliance & Employment Practices
- Performance Management
- Healthcare, Technology, Legal & Startup Environments
Technical Proficiencies
- HRIS & Payroll Systems
- Benefits & HRA Administration Platforms
- Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
- Microsoft Office & Google Workspace
Certifications
- Senior-Level HR & People Operations Experience
- Multi-Industry HR Leadership & Advisory Support
Professional Experience
HR Consultant
2020 – Present
- Partner with small businesses, tech companies, and startups to deliver hands-on HR support across employee relations, benefits, leave administration, compliance, and performance management.
- Advise founders and executive leaders through complex employee situations and growth-related challenges, ensuring clear, compliant people decisions.
- Develop and implement scalable HR policies, benefit strategies, and practical people processes tailored to lean and fast-growing organizations.
Business & HR Manager
Washington Law Center | 2017 – 2020
- Led HR and business operations, supporting leadership and staff across compliance, performance management, and workplace relations.
- Resolved employee concerns and conflicts, strengthening engagement and retention.
- Managed budgets, operational systems, and tracking processes to improve efficiency and accountability.
Human Resources Specialist
CHI Franciscan Health
- Served as primary HR partner for assigned departments, advising managers on employee relations, discipline, and policy application.
- Managed leave of absence and accommodation processes in compliance with union contracts and state and federal laws.
- Supported full-cycle recruitment, including postings, screening, and offer coordination.
Recruiter & HR Generalist
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center / Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
- Led full-cycle recruitment for scientific, clinical, and administrative roles, improving hiring efficiency and candidate experience.
- Advanced into employee relations and leave administration roles, managing FMLA, ADA, and state leave processes across multi-site healthcare operations.
- Supported labor relations activities, including grievance handling and participation in collective bargaining processes.
Education & Credentials
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Business Administration — Human Resources Management
University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts (BA), English Literature
University of Washington
Personal Interests
Allison is a mom of two active kids and lives in a small harbor town on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. As a military spouse who has lived internationally, she brings adaptability and cultural awareness to her work. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hosting book clubs—including one serving incarcerated women.