Our Leadership and HR Team
Stephanie Heathman
Founder, CEO, and Sr. Principal HR Consultant
Stephanie Heathman, founder and CEO of The HR Innovator Group, brings over 25 years of expertise in human resources, business strategy, and organizational development. As a Triple Certified HR Professional, Stephanie specializes in aligning HR strategies with organizational goals to drive sustainable success. With a focus on creating scalable HR systems, she is renowned for her ability to foster employee engagement, ensure compliance, and implement innovative solutions tailored to each client's needs. Under her leadership, The HR Innovator Group has become a trusted partner for businesses seeking impactful and customized HR support.
Brannon Heathman
US Navy Veteran
Co-Founder, Chief Operations Officer
Brannon Heathman, Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer at The HR Innovator Group, brings with him over two decades of service to the United States armed services, including time as a U.S. Navy Veteran. His longstanding commitment to leadership, discipline, and service has shaped his approach to business operations and team development. Now dedicated to fostering a culture of employee well-being and operational excellence, Brannon focuses on optimizing internal processes and enhancing team dynamics. He ensures that the organization runs efficiently while prioritizing both employee satisfaction and client success.
Erin Tisland
Principal HR Consultant
Erin Tisland is a forward-thinking HR leader with 20+ years of experience advancing innovation at the crossroads of human resources and technology. As a Principal Consultant at The HR Innovator Group, she designs tailored, tech-enabled HR solutions aligned with business strategy. Previously, she held senior roles at ADP and Wells Fargo, where she led HR transformations and digital adoption. Erin specializes in HRIS (Workday, Oracle HCM, ADP), change management, and workforce planning. She holds an M.S. in Organizational Leadership and certifications including PHR, SHRM-CP, and Lean Six Sigma, championing data-driven, scalable strategies to optimize human capital.
Alayna Mitchell, MHRM-OL
HR Consultant
Alayna brings deep expertise in human resources management, organizational leadership, and workforce development. With a Master’s in Human Resource Management and a strong background in guiding organizations through complex people challenges, she partners with clients to design practical HR solutions that align with business goals. Her approach blends strategic insight with hands-on support, helping leaders strengthen compliance, build engaging workplace cultures, and navigate growth with confidence. Alayna is passionate about equipping organizations with the tools and strategies they need to thrive today while preparing for tomorrow.
Emi Christensen, SHRM-CP
HR Analyst
Emi Christensen brings a modern, analytical perspective to The HR Innovator Group, combining precision, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of people operations. As an HR Analyst, she supports the firm’s clients by transforming data into actionable insights, strengthening compliance, streamlining workflows, and enhancing overall HR performance. With a background in HR operations and technology, Emi thrives in fast-paced environments where accuracy and innovation intersect. She plays a key role in the firm’s client onboarding, audit, and assessment processes, ensuring that every engagement is grounded in both operational detail and strategic foresight. Emi is known for her sharp attention to detail, collaborative approach, and commitment to continuous improvement. Her work supports The HR Innovator Group’s mission to deliver HR systems and solutions that are not only compliant but truly scalable and human centered.