TWC Group :: Press Archive

Will provide a full spectrum of human resource service offerings to small and mid-size firms

Collegeville, PA (November 26, 2001) – T. Williams Consulting (TWC), a world-class management consulting firm specializing in human capital solutions, announced the launch of a Human Resource Services division designed to give small and mid-size companies access to the human resource expertise they need to grow their businesses.

“In fast growing industries, companies often forge human resource practices to address problems on the fly. As they mature, they recognize the benefits of a more strategic and professional approach, especially as it relates to avoiding legal liability,” says Terry Williams, President and CEO of TWC. “With our full suite of Human Resource Services, companies can get the assistance they need to effectively manage and motivate their people.”

TWC’s Human Resource Services provides companies with assistance across the full spectrum of human resource operations, including the areas of employment practices, compensation, benefits, performance management, training, organizational development, employee relations and communications. As an expert in human resource management, TWC provides fully scalable and customizable solutions designed to improve the HR function and positively impact business success. At the helm of the new division is Shannon Piela, who has been appointed to the position of Managing Director, Human Resource Services.

Piela joins TWC after founding HR Backbone, a consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations implement solid human resources foundations tied directly to business objectives and profitability goals. Serving as President and CEO of the Glenmoore, PA-based firm, Piela developed and deployed highly customized human resource programs designed to meet her clients’ unique business objectives.

“Shannon’s experience working for both Fortune 500 and emerging growth companies provides us with a deep well of knowledge to draw upon as we expand our human resources offerings,” says Williams. “Her expertise in serving clients, as well as building her own firm, brings a unique perspective on how companies can build the critical HR infrastructure required to foster corporate growth.”

Prior to starting HR Backbone, Piela served as Director of Human Resources at Investorforce, a firm based in Wayne, PA, that provides technology solutions for the institutional investment community. During her tenure at that start-up venture, she developed and managed all aspects of human resources for multiple locations, nurturing the desired company culture while cutting unnecessary operating expense.

Earlier in her career, Piela was Regional Director of Human Resources at Unisource Worldwide, Inc., headquartered in Berwyn, PA. While at Unisource, Piela oversaw regional HR services for over 900 employees and managed corporate HR initiatives for over 15,000 employees. She was instrumental in helping to reduce the company’s legal liability by implementing fair and competitive human resource practices throughout all U.S. operations. She later served in a similar capacity at ING Financial Services in West Chester, PA.

“Even before I was presented with the TWC opportunity, I was aware that the firm had an excellent reputation in the marketplace for delivering top-notch services,” says Piela. “They hold a unique position in the management consulting industry with a strong client base and a unique offering of services. This foundation offers an excellent opportunity to rapidly expand the human resources consulting business.”

Piela holds a Masters of Business Administration from Penn State University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Maryland. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management as well as the Greater Valley Forge Human Resource Association, where she founded the Diversity Committee.