About

Leon Cerna is a highly skilled human resources professional with 25+ years of experience in strategic management, employee relations, compensation, talent acquisitions, and organizational development for both the private and public sector. Leon’s interest in human resources was sparked by his childhood involvement with his family’s growing business where he learned the key elements of hiring, training, and effective conflict resolution from his parents. Leon instinctively understood these lessons and knew a career in human resources would offer the ideal platform for his developing interest. 

Leon has held leadership roles in Fortune 15 and 300 companies and served in the public sector at Adams County and in public education as a Chief HR Executive. He has provided strategic oversight of human resources departments and established foundations of respect, diplomacy, high ethical standards, and collaboration that have promoted the overall success of the organizations he serves. As a consultant and entrepreneur, he has served clients in all sectors including private sector, non-profit, government and education. 

His exceptional skills have been sought after by a variety of councils, commissions, and committees including most the Personnel Merit Commission for the City and County of Broomfield, University of Colorado – Boulder, Arvada Economic Development Association, a Colorado SHRM Conference Speaker 2017 and 2019, and for the Colorado Nonprofit Association. Additionally, Leon was selected and participated in one of the most celebrated and prominent leadership programs in the region, Leadership Denver through the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. In 2024, Leon was also invited to join 150 Downtown Denver business leaders, elected officials and key City staff members for Urban Exploration trip to Boston through the Downtown Denver Partnership, with the goal to learn from people who are facing the same challenges we are in their respective cities. He has provided strategic oversight of human resources departments and established foundations of respect, diplomacy, high ethical standards, and collaboration that have promoted the overall success of the organizations he serves.   

Leon received his Bachelor of Science degree in Labor Relations Management from the University of the Pacific in northern California. He has a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation, a Society in Human Resources Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designation and an Associate Certified Coach designation from the International Coaching Federation. 

Originally from Southern California, Leon now lives in Colorado and outside of work, enjoys spending time with his family, listening to jazz music, and playing golf where he carries a three handicap. 

Jeni is a proven human resources leader with 25 years’ experience leading national HR teams in the development, implementation, and direction of compensation, recruiting, employee relations and services, HR management systems and employment law. 

 She is a collaborative team player who recognizes the value of individual contribution in support of overall business strategy and seeks to align HR practices with the mission and goals of the business. 

Jeni began her career in Chicago serving the hospitality industry with a dual role in human resources and sales. While in Chicago, she served an international law firm for many years where she led the human resources team nationally. The primary elements of her role included support and guidance to management on employee relations, HR best practices firm wide, compensation and performance, executive recruiting, policies and business structure, compliance with state and federal labor laws.  

Jeni received her Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois and has a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) designation. 

She relocated to Denver with her family in 2014 and joined HR Advantage Group as the Director of Client Services in June of 2017. Outside of work, Jeni enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking, camping and paddleboarding. 

Joseph has had a storied career spanning from entertainment to recruitment.

In his time as editor-in-chief of the outlet LRM Online, Joseph learned the ins and outs of running what is effectively a startup with limited resources. His experience in leadership taught him the value of people and the time and effort required to get the right talent on board and develop their skills to help better the company as a whole. This led him to his current role.

Joseph has been with HR Advantage Group for nearly four years. In his time, he has placed countless different roles that span the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Roles placed include: Executive Directors, Chief Executive Officers, Finance Directors, IT roles, HR and Recruitment roles, nonprofit directors/managers, and many more.

Joseph received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Screenwriting and a minor in Business from Chapman University in sunny Orange, California.

Michelle Hale is a driven human resource professional with 15 years of progressively responsible, diverse experience. She is collaborative, resourceful, and prides herself on the relationships she builds while serving as a trusted advisor. Michelle enjoys that a career in HR provides a platform to make a lasting positive impact on an organization and its people.

She began her HR career in Breckenridge working in the hospitality industry before transitioning to the Denver Metro area where she served in local government. Prior to joining HR Advantage Group, she worked at a global, high growth technology start-up where she helped to develop and implement all people processes. Michelle brings experience in all HR disciplines including talent acquisition, performance management, benefits, compensation, learning and development, employee engagement, employment and immigration law, and risk management.

Michelle received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado Boulder and her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Human Resource Management from Colorado State University Global. She holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) designation, is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and was a three term board member of the Public Sector HR Association (PSHRA) Colorado Chapter.

Michelle grew up in Colorado and enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a passion for travel and has visited over 20 countries across 5 continents.

Halie is a driven and creative professional with 9 years of progressive experience providing and supporting multiple facets of human resources, both in the civilian and military sectors. Her passion for human resources grew early on during her time as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, where she embraced the ideals of camaraderie and unit cohesion while emphasizing the benefits that can be found in individuality.

Throughout her previous work experiences, Halie has learned that in order to deliver the highest level of quality and success, balancing business needs with employee needs is key as well as recognizing that each member has the ability to make a positive contribution when given the opportunity to utilize their strengths. This mindsight has encouraged Halie in the development and implementation of several onboarding programs, training courses, and employee support systems that increased the company’s ability to maintain a successful training environment.

Halie is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business for Management Human Resources from Excelsior University.

After moving from one duty station to the next, Halie is very excited to finally settle into Colorado as her new home and is enjoying the beautiful mountain views with her family, running with her pup, and taking in the artwork that surrounds her.