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Your Trusted HR Consulting Partner in San Francisco
Smith-Jennings delivers comprehensive Human Resources consulting services tailored to organizations of all sizes and industries. With decades of combined experience, our team specializes in strategic HR solutions that address compensation, benefits, compliance, employee development, and organizational transitions. Our approach combines hands-on expertise with a commitment to cost-effective, liability-conscious strategies. We support clients through mergers, acquisitions, startups, and regulatory challenges while maintaining deep industry knowledge in high-tech and biotech sectors.

Our professionals have established HR functions for emerging companies, guided through IPOs and acquisitions, and managed over 40 OFCCP audits. We prioritize actionable insights, measurable outcomes, and customized programs that align with business objectives while navigating complex employment requirements across domestic and international operations.
Services
Compensation Programs Employee Benefits Performance Management Affirmative Action Plans HR Audits Mergers & Acquisitions Compliance Training Organizational Development Payroll Administration HR Policy Development
Highlights and features
  • We offer 25+ years of HR leadership experience in high-tech and biotech sectors
  • Our team has established HR functions for emerging companies through IPOs
  • We provide objective vendor recommendations without commission-based conflicts
  • Our consultants have managed 40+ OFCCP audit processes successfully
  • We combine legal compliance expertise with practical business management perspective
Services
Compensation Programs
We design comprehensive compensation frameworks that align with business goals while ensuring market competitiveness. Our experts conduct job evaluations, develop incentive structures, and implement salary administration systems. With deep knowledge of legal requirements and industry trends, we help organizations attract and retain top talent through data-driven pay programs.
Employee Benefits
Our team specializes in creating cost-effective benefits packages that reduce administrative burdens while maintaining compliance. We assist with health plans, retirement programs, and flexible spending accounts while providing objective vendor evaluations. We also prepare for regulatory audits and develop clear employee communications to maximize program effectiveness.
Affirmative Action Plans
We develop EO 11246-compliant Affirmative Action Plans and conduct compensation analyses to identify potential disparities. Our services include preparing for OFCCP audits, managing compliance reviews, and implementing corrective action plans. We help organizations maintain legal compliance while fostering inclusive workplace environments.
Mergers & Acquisitions
We provide HR due diligence and workforce planning for business transitions. Our consultants develop integration strategies, modify HR infrastructure, and create communication plans for employees during M&A processes. We help organizations navigate cultural alignment and regulatory requirements while minimizing disruption during periods of change.
HR Audits
We conduct comprehensive HR audits to identify operational gaps and compliance risks. Our assessments cover policy effectiveness, employment law adherence, and process efficiency. We provide actionable recommendations for improving HR systems while developing metrics to measure ongoing effectiveness and regulatory compliance.
People
Kate Gormley
Principal
With 25+ years in HR leadership, Kate specializes in strategic HR for startups and M&A in tech/biotech. She established HR functions for emerging companies through IPOs and managed 40+ OFCCP audits. Former executive at American Building Maintenance Industries and Integral Systems.
Jane Funk
Associate
PHR-certified HR professional with 20+ years guiding global HR initiatives. Led talent acquisition and compensation programs for fast-growing companies including Infoblox. Expert in aligning people strategies with business objectives during organizational growth phases.
Julia Smith
Principal
Founder with 25+ years in employee benefits design and compliance. Former VP at Bank of America and Crocker National Bank. Specializes in IRS audit preparation and HR program integration during mergers. Active in Western Pension and Benefits Conference.
Hester Wesslemann
Associate
Finance expert with 20+ years in accounting and data management. Former controller at Advanced Mobile Solutions. Applies quantitative skills to HR compensation analysis and affirmative action plan creation. Deloitte alumni with small business services experience.
Melissa Durlofsky
Associate
Creative HR professional with entertainment industry background. Former advertising account executive managing client relations and project coordination. Brings organizational skills to HR operations while volunteering for senior citizen welfare initiatives.
Questions
What HR services does Smith~Jennings offer?
We provide compensation programs, benefits administration, compliance audits, M&A support, and organizational development services tailored to your business needs.
How do you help startups with HR needs?
We establish HR functions from inception, develop compliance frameworks, and create scalable systems to support growth through IPO or acquisition phases.
Can you assist with OFCCP audit preparation?
Yes, our team has managed over 40 OFCCP audits, conducting compliance reviews and developing corrective action plans to ensure regulatory adherence.
Do you work with international organizations?
We support global HR initiatives including cross-border compliance, talent acquisition, and program implementation for US and international operations.
What industries do you specialize in?
While serving all sectors, we have deep expertise in high-tech, biotech, and financial services industries with specialized compliance knowledge.
How do you handle HR during mergers?
We conduct HR due diligence, develop integration strategies, and create communication plans to ensure smooth transitions during M&A activities.