Lynette Weatherford, founder and president of Human Resource Advantage, LLC. has been in the field of Human Resources for over 30 years. Her expertise includes connecting the human resource process and practices to business plans through careful design and implementation, in order to meet the bottom-line: organizational profitability.

Lynette earned her Master’s Degree in Human Resources from Ottawa University and is a Missouri State University alumnus. In addition to her extensive training, education, and experience, she holds the HR certifications of SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification) and SHRM-SCP (Senior Certified Professional).

She is an active member of the Springfield Area Human Resources Association, The National Society for Human Resource Management, Springfield Southeast Rotary, Springfield Executive Breakfast Club, and a former member of the Vistage Worldwide Chief Executive Program.

Human Resource Advantage, Inc. has been featured in numerous publications such as Biz 417 Magazine and the Who’s Who publication of the Springfield Business Journal.

One of the main objectives that Lynette set in founding HR Advantage, Inc. in 2005 was to deliver the highest standard of quality and service to the clients that HR Advantage has the privilege of working with.

Karla Callaway handles Administrative Services at Human Resource Advantage, and has over 22 years of experience in human resources.

She holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Administrative Management, with a minor in Computer Information Systems, from Missouri State University. She has worked for both private and public entities.

Her areas of experience include:

• Salary/Compensation Studies
• Benefits Administration
• Handbooks and Policy Manuals
• New employee onboarding & orientation
• Federal & State employment compliance
• Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)

Karla is a member of the Springfield Area Human Resources Association and has served on local boards and committees through the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Community Alternative Sentencing Program, and Greene County Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Karla volunteers for local community organizations such as Ozarks Food Harvest, Springfield Dream Center, Salvation Army, and United Way. Karla aspires to provide the best customer service, enjoys working with clients, and strives to surpass expectations.

Camille Knowles, Human Resources Advisor with Human Resource Advantage, has over 20 years of experience in human resource and insurance fields.  

Having worked in both the private and public sector, she understands the unique challenges and situations both may bring.  Her areas of expertise include addressing business challenges, benefits, labor and union administration, wage and hour law, workers’ compensation, recruitment, FMLA administration, training, leadership, and personnel policies and procedures.    

She holds the HR certifications PHR (Professional in Human Resources) and SHRM-CP (Society for Human Resource Management-Certified Professional).

Camille is involved in several professional organizations, including the Springfield Area Human Resources Association, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, True North Leadership, and the National Society for Human Resource Management. She also volunteers for local community organizations and events such as The United Way, Relay for Life, The Victim Center and The Salvation Army.

She is certified through FEMA 2017 Emergency Disaster Training, held in Baltimore, Maryland. She is honored to have been selected to participate in the Leadership Springfield Class of 33.

Camille has a strong passion to provide exceptional HR Advisor support for her clients; she builds trust and confidence for business leaders to seek her guidance.

Elizabeth Hurst serves as Business Development Director for Human Resource Advantage. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees from Drury University. Elizabeth oversees Sales and Marketing activities to strategically align HR Advantage offerings with market needs, and to ensure a seamless client experience.

Her areas of experience include:

• Consultative Sales
• Marketing
• Account Management
• Recruitment
• Strategic Planning

Elizabeth has 15 years in sales and business analytics where she has excelled in building successful organizational programs and initiatives to support sustainable growth. She uses a consultative approach to help businesses and individuals achieve their goals, and takes great pride in building relationships on the principles of integrity and exceptional service.

Elizabeth is a Springfield native and is alumna of Drury University. She is a member of the Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Class of 2020 and Board Member/Volunteer at the Doula Foundation.

Seth Bunn serves as Recruitment Advisor with Human Resource Advantage. Seth has worked in both the education and finance sectors, and has 9 years of experience in recruiting and 5 years in career services management. He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Christian Ministry from Southwest Baptist University.

His areas of experience include:

• Professional recruitment and career placement
• Leadership and communication
• Training candidates in interview skills and techniques
• Interviewing and assessing qualified candidates

Seth has exceptional interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills and excels in achieving job placement for a diverse population. He is passionate about finding quality candidates to help businesses thrive.  Seth is committed to providing clients with quality, personalized recruiting as well as helping candidates achieve their career goals.

Dana Baldwin, Human Resources Advisor with Human Resource Advantage, has over 20 years of HR leadership experience with a diverse background serving in the financial, manufacturing, automotive and non-profit sectors.

Dana earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Central Missouri, and Professional in Human Resources certification.

Her areas of expertise include talent acquisition, benefits, wage and hour law, payroll, organizational engagement and development, and conflict resolution.

She is involved in the National Society for HR Management (SHRM) and has served on the Springfield Area Human Resources Association (SAHRA) Professional Development and Workforce Readiness Committees and Secretary of the Board, Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council, Ozarks Regional YMCA fundraising board, Springfield Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development and Springfield Chapter of the American Payroll Association.  Dana also enjoys volunteering through the Reading and Math Buddy Program in the Springfield Public School system.

Dana has a passion for facilitating solutions and helping organizations work toward their full potential.

Sharon McElwrath serves as Administrative Support with Human Resource Advantage. Over the past 10 years, Sharon has had the pleasure of working closely with clients and employees alike while gaining experience as a resume writer, office assistant and early childhood supervisor. Sharon is a natural researcher and successfully created countless LinkedIn profiles, resumes and curriculum vitaes for professionals across the world and from many different industries.

Sharon earned a Bachelor of Art degree in English Literature from SUNY Cortland and over the course of her career, she has written a myriad of devotional pieces as a writer and blogger. As a resume writer, she thoroughly enjoyed working with clients to enhance their professional life footprint and fulfill their dreams within the workforce. As Sharon steps into the HR world, she brings a drive and determination to cultivate companies that have the desire to enhance solid team morale and promise a bright future within the workplace.

Erinn Johnson serves as Human Resources Advisor Assistant with Human Resource Advantage, providing direct assistance and support to the Advisor team. Erinn brings over 30 years combined experience in sales & marketing, communications, human resources, management, hospitality, client relationships, and education. With this rich and diverse background, Erinn brings a wealth of expertise to our team.

Early on in her journey, Erinn had a successful sales and marketing career, which resulted in her receiving several top-performing sales awards.  While in the education sector, Erinn taught high school marketing, igniting a passion for mentoring and developing future leaders. As she transitioned back into the corporate world, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate a successful temporary staffing company, where she acquired invaluable insights into workforce management and employee engagement.

Erinn earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Administration with a Minor in Marketing from Missouri State University, along with a certification in High School Business & Marketing Education. Erinn volunteers her time in pet therapy, visiting hospitals and assisted living facilities with her two goldendoodles. She also has recently began to volunteer with STAND (Stand Against Human Trafficking).

Anita King serves as Learning & Development Advisor with HR Advantage, providing impactful training and development experiences to our clients and their teams. Anita has been in the HR field for the past 22 years, after graduating with her master’s degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University in St. Louis. She has worked in several industries providing HR guidance and support. While she has held several different titles, Anita says her favorite aspect of HR is being able to help people navigate their personal career journey. Her areas of expertise are creating and presenting Diversity training, leadership development training and conducting employment investigations.

Anita has presented to her HR peers at multiple national HR conferences and was a SHRM Lobbyist for ACA Definition of Full-Time Employee, Employment Verification for Employers & HR Professionals, Fair Labor Standards Act Overtime Regulations and National Labor Relations Board’s ‘Ambush’ Election Rule on Capitol Hill in 2015.

Anita recently created a local non-profit program Deverin’s Locker, which provides new and used sporting equipment and sports related fees for kids who face financial barriers. She is also long-time member of the Christmas giving committee at Ambassadors for Children and a Wish Granter through the Make A Wish Foundation.

Her greatest passion is loving and supporting her children and any other child who needs love.

Michelle Courtney, serves as Human Resources Advisor Assistant with Human Resource Advantage. She has over 16 years of HR experience and has worked primarily in the field of Health Care. Michelle’s principal area of expertise is Benefits Administration, however, her background includes all aspects of Human Resource management. She is a member of the National Society for Human Resource Management and has formerly been involved with Springfield Area Human Resources Association.

Michelle’s areas of experience include:

• Benefits and Compensation
• Employee Relations
• Recruitment
• New Hire Processing/On-Boarding
• HRIS conversion projects

Michelle seeks to develop strong interpersonal relationships through honest communication, integrity and service.

Sarah Matthews serves as Business Development Manager for HR Advantage. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing from Drury University.  Sarah orchestrates and executes Sales and Marketing activities at HR Advantage to develop strong partnerships and drive solutions for our valued clients.

Sarah has excelled in Sales and Recruiting, with a track record in fostering strong relationships, initiating collaborative hiring approaches with managers, and pinpointing pivotal organizational needs.

Sarah is actively engaged in groups such as the Springfield Area Chamber’s Small Business Council and the Association for Women in Communication. Additionally, she is the recipient of the Pi Society Award for Academic Achievement, as well as Outstanding Student in Marketing award given by Drury University. With an eye for opportunities and talent for effective communication, Sarah strives to drive growth and success, both for HR Advantage and the clients it serves.