HR Consultants in the USA to Watch For in 2025

United States HR Specialists to Know in 2025

Let’s be real: HR is having a moment. From navigating return-to-office debates to leading DEI strategies and rewriting the playbook on employee engagement, the human resources field is transforming—and the people behind that transformation are more important than ever.

At Digital Reference, we’re all about pulling back the curtain on how work actually works. This list isn’t just a roundup of HR professionals with shiny titles—it’s a curated guide to the real experts leading the way. Whether they’re freelancers, solo practitioners, or leaders at small firms, these consultants are reimagining HR from the inside out.

Our Methodology

We built this list with care, because let’s face it—when it comes to people strategy, the details matter. Here’s how we decided who made the cut:

• Independent operators or key leaders at boutique HR consultancies
• A visible presence in the U.S., working with companies regionally or nationally
• Proven expertise—whether through client results, thought leadership, or credentials
• Specialization in areas like compliance, culture, DEI, recruiting, org design, and fractional HR leadership

We believe these professionals reflect where the HR function is going—more agile, more inclusive, and more human.

Meet the HR Consultants to Watch in 2025

Abby Gates‍

Founder & Principal, Sproutwise
LinkedIn | Website

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Abby Gates has built her career on one clear belief: that great companies are built by great people, and that every business—no matter its size or stage—deserves access to thoughtful, scalable people operations. As the Founder of Sproutwise, Abby brings nearly two decades of experience leading People functions at some of the world’s most innovative companies, including Google, Dynatrace, Attentive, and Solvvy.

Abby thrives in high-growth environments. Her expertise lies at the intersection of tech and talent—where speed meets scale, and where culture can either crack or crystalize. She’s worked across infosecurity, enterprise SaaS, customer experience tech, and global adtech, helping companies expand without losing the heart of who they are. Based in the Midwest, Abby is also deeply committed to growing the region’s tech footprint and empowering local startups with big-company HR strategy tailored to their realities.

Through Sproutwise, Abby and her team partner with startups and scaling businesses to hire, train, and retain with intention. Whether retained as a fractional head of People or brought in for focused project work, Sproutwise equips founders and leadership teams with the systems, strategies, and support they need to build high-performing, values-aligned organizations.

Sproutwise services cover the full spectrum of People operations:

• People Ops: HR compliance, policy and process design, compensation benchmarking, HRIS/payroll tool implementation, and career leveling frameworks
• Talent Acquisition: Sourcing, interview process design, ATS selection, full-cycle recruiting, and talent branding
• Culture x Engagement: Values definition, rewards and recognition, executive coaching, employee surveys, and knowledge base creation
• Performance Management: Platform setup, SOC/ISO compliance, mentorship programs, and learning & development

Abby’s style is as pragmatic as it is people-centered. She believes in building HR functions that actually serve the people they’re built for—and in translating strategy into systems that teams can use right away. Her work is hands-on, collaborative, and rooted in the real-world challenges startups face as they grow.

For companies looking for a flexible partner, Sproutwise offers fractional leadership, project-based support, and advisory subscriptions tailored to early-stage needs. Whether launching an HR function from scratch or supporting a founder through their first major hiring push, Abby is the kind of partner who brings both big-picture insight and in-the-weeds execution.

💠 Signature Strengths:

🌱 Fractional leadership for scaling People and Recruiting functions

📊 Compensation benchmarking, career leveling, and performance systems

🛠 Process design, policy creation, and early-stage HR infrastructure

🎯 Talent acquisition strategy and full-cycle recruiting support

🌈 Culture-building through values definition, engagement, and coaching

💬 Executive advisory and coaching for founders and leadership teams

Abby often says that the heart of every successful business lies in its people—and through Sproutwise, she helps companies prove that truth in action, every single day.

Abby is also featured in our list of Fractional CHROs in Detroit!

‍Lisa Johnson

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California
Specialization: HR compliance, employee relations, leadership coaching

Lisa Johnson—widely known as the Corporate Cowgirl—brings a bold, no-fluff approach to HR consulting. With over 20 years of hands-on experience across corporate, government, and small business environments, she helps leaders navigate the human side of business with clarity, confidence, and grit.

At the helm of her own consultancy, Lisa delivers tailored solutions in compliance, performance management, investigations, and leadership coaching. Her approach is both strategic and straight-shooting—making her a trusted advisor for companies that want their people ops done right and real.

Why Lisa Made Our 2025 List

Lisa exemplifies the qualities we look for in standout HR consultants:

• ✅ Independent Operator: She leads Corporate Cowgirl as a solo practitioner and trusted partner to founders and exec teams.
• ✅ U.S. Reach: Though based in California, Lisa supports clients across the country, particularly those in high-compliance or high-turnover environments.
• ✅ Proven Expertise: Her background in handling complex HR issues—like investigations, discipline, and coaching—makes her indispensable to organizations in transition or growth.
• ✅ Specialization: Lisa’s edge lies in combining compliance rigor with leadership development, helping businesses stay compliant and human.

Her mix of candor and competence makes Lisa Johnson one to watch in 2025.

Tonyel Thompson

Founder of Real HR Hero, Tonyel is a trusted advisor for solopreneurs and small businesses. Her consultancy demystifies HR policy, compliance, and onboarding—with a strong commitment to keeping it human. Since launching her business officially in 2019 (after years of consulting on the side), she’s built a practice that blends deep empathy, operational rigor, and a sharp eye for modern workforce dynamics. The Digital Reference Team had the opportunity to interview Tonyel Thompson to better dive into her firm's approach to HR.

Here are a few things we learned from our conversation with Tonyel:

At the heart of Thompson’s work is a clear belief: companies do better when they care—really care—about the people inside them. And she’s seen firsthand what happens when HR is done right.

“What I love about fractional HR is the variety. I get to support so many different kinds of people and businesses. But more than that, I get to help companies that want to do better. That’s who we’re looking for—clients who care.”

Why Toneyl Made Our 2025 List

Toneyl exemplifies the qualities we look for in standout HR consultants:

• ✅ Founder, Fractional CHRO, and HR Consultant She leads her own firm but also has deep experience as a solo practitioner.
• ✅ U.S. Reach: Though based in Los Angeles, Tonyel supports clients everywhe
• ✅ Proven Expertise: Her HR background covers the gammut:

“Some of our clients want us to do it all,” she says. “From onboarding and payroll to benefits and compliance—we’re basically their full HR department. Others need more targeted help, like support during a performance issue or help offboarding someone. Every engagement is tailored.”

• ✅ Specialization: Tonyel combines leadership development with compliance ensuring clients stay compliant and human.

Tonyel is also featured as one of our Fractional CHROs Making Things Happen in LA.

TJ Jefferson - SHRM-SCP‍

HR Business Partner | Diversity-Focused Talent Strategist

TJ Jefferson is a dynamic and results-driven HR leader who believes the true strength of any organization lies in its people—and in the systems that support them. With a career spanning roles in higher education, state government, and corporate HR, TJ has built a reputation for bringing strategy, inclusion, and operational excellence to every facet of the employee experience.

Currently serving as an HR Business Partner at Georgetown University, TJ plays a critical role in aligning HR strategy with institutional goals. He partners with academic and administrative departments to drive talent management, employee relations, DEI initiatives, and workforce planning—ensuring that every HR interaction advances a more engaged, inclusive workplace.

TJ’s passion for people-first HR is rooted in a strong foundation of public service. Prior to Georgetown, he served as a Senior Human Resources Officer at the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and as an HR Analyst at the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management. Across these roles, he led recruitment strategies, system implementations, and policy development with a focus on equity, access, and retention.

He began his career in corporate HR, with early experience at CarMax and The Kroger Company, gaining firsthand knowledge of training, process improvement, and frontline employee engagement.

TJ’s educational background is equally robust: he holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s in HR Management from Western Governors University. He is a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and has earned certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and Inclusive Mindset Development, equipping him to lead conversations and initiatives that shape truly equitable work environments.

Outside of work, TJ is a committed volunteer and community leader. He serves as Director of College Relations for Richmond SHRM and as Executive Board Director for CUPA-HR’s DC/Maryland/Virginia chapter, where he mentors future HR professionals and helps shape the future of the field.

💠 Signature Strengths:

👥 Diversity-focused talent acquisition and outreach strategies

📊 Talent management, workforce analytics, and HCM systems

🤝 Employee relations and strategic HR business partnership

📚 Higher education HR with a focus on equity and engagement

🌍 DEI leadership grounded in certification and lived experience

🌱 Volunteer leadership and mentorship in the HR community

TJ is the kind of HR professional who sees every challenge as a chance to build something better—from stronger systems to more inclusive cultures. Through his work, he’s helping organizations not just manage their talent—but truly empower it.

Allison Steinwand

Allison leads Fox Consulting with a focus on public sector HR needs, from compensation analysis to strategic planning. She’s a reliable partner for municipalities and nonprofits navigating complex people systems.

Mario Portugal

Mario’s LinkedIn presence is just the tip of the iceberg. He’s an HR operations expert with a sharp focus on organizational design and HRIS implementation, especially for fast-growing tech firms.

Scott Trossen

Founder of MI-HR, Scott is an HR strategist with a strong emphasis on compliance, audits, and risk management. His Midwest-based practice supports growing businesses in building sustainable and legally sound HR infrastructures.

Shazia Sultan

Through EmployZen HR, Shazia helps small and mid-sized businesses develop smarter, more employee-centric HR practices. Her consultancy focuses on HR transformation, performance management, and mindful leadership.

Jenny Batista

As her LinkedIn handle suggests, Jenny is all things people. From HR tech rollouts to performance management frameworks, she helps high-growth companies design systems that scale without losing soul.

June Stewart

June’s work at Amplify Partners is rooted in elevating DEI strategies and change management. She supports mission-driven companies and has a strong reputation for building inclusive hiring processes that actually stick.

Corinne Jones

Corinne founded CJC Human Resource Services to help employers navigate compliance, HR audits, and employee relations. Based in North Carolina, her practical approach is a lifeline for small businesses trying to stay above water.

Taniesha Johnson

Taniesha is known for her strengths in employee engagement, HR compliance, and recruiting strategy. She works closely with leadership teams to create scalable people operations that reflect company values.

Sylvia Donohoe

Sylvia brings decades of HR experience to her work, with a focus on labor relations, coaching, and strategic planning. Her background spans industries—and she’s particularly skilled in union environments.

Jill Berti

Jill specializes in fractional HR leadership and employee relations. She supports startups and growth-stage businesses that need senior HR guidance but don’t need—or can’t yet afford—a full-time HR executive.

Ingrid Kessler

Ingrid brings a unique legal-adjacent lens to HR consulting, with strengths in compliance, internal investigations, and policy creation. Her work helps companies reduce risk and improve culture.

Leatrice Buck

Leatrice is a recruiting and talent acquisition specialist with a deep understanding of inclusive hiring. Her background in corporate and nonprofit settings gives her a well-rounded, equity-first approach.

Lora Hassani

Lora supports organizations with training, culture audits, and leadership development. She excels at aligning people operations with business strategy, especially for orgs in flux.

Eva Van Casteren

Eva is a sharp, SHRM-certified professional with a strong foothold in strategic HR planning and operations. She works with small businesses to align HR infrastructure with business goals.

Melissa Laney

Melissa brings a warm but firm presence to the HR world, especially in talent development and employee relations. Her style is rooted in trust-building—and her results speak for themselves.

HR in 2025: What’s Changing (and What’s Not)

The consultants on this list are operating in a moment of massive change. From AI-powered hiring tools to increased scrutiny on workplace culture, HR professionals are being asked to do more than ever.

But while tools and trends evolve, some things don’t change:

• People want to be respected.
• Leaders need honest, strategic HR advice.
• Compliance is non-negotiable.

The professionals above are balancing all three. That’s why they’re worth knowing.

Want to dig deeper into the evolving talent landscape? We’ve covered adjacent trends in:

• HR Consultants & Talent Experts: What Do They Do?
• Fractional CHROs in New York City
• Fractionals vs. Consultants
• Radical Authenticity: Brene Brown & Digital Reference
• Fractional CHROs Near Me

All of the pieces above provide insight into how businesses are rethinking full-time headcount in favor of flexible expertise and/or provide a directory of more HR Professionals.

✅ Check Out Our Local Directories of HR Consultants by City

• New York City
  HR Consultants in New York City to Watch
  In the city that never sleeps, HR consultants juggle complex compliance, diversity initiatives, and leadership development in finance, media, fashion, and beyond.

• Los Angeles
  HR Consultants in Los Angeles to Watch
  From entertainment giants to fast-growing creative agencies, LA’s HR scene blends culture-savvy consulting with innovation in employee experience and DEI strategy.

• Chicago
  HR Consultants in Chicago to Watch
  Known for its corporate headquarters and thriving startup ecosystem, Chicago is a hub for HR pros helping companies navigate scaling, restructuring, and workplace culture.

• Washington, DC
  HR Consultants in Washington DC to Watch
  In the heart of the nation’s capital, HR consultants support policy-driven orgs, nonprofits, and government contractors with people-first strategies and compliance expertise.

• San Francisco
  HR Consultants in San Francisco to Watch
  With a tech-heavy client base, SF consultants specialize in startup scaling, remote team management, and designing inclusive, innovative workplaces.

• Dallas
  HR Consultants in Dallas to Watch
  From energy to healthcare to enterprise tech, Dallas-based HR consultants are driving organizational growth across industries in this high-opportunity metro.

• Houston
  HR Consultants in Houston to Watch
  Houston’s HR experts serve major sectors like oil and gas, healthcare, and logistics—helping companies modernize practices while navigating complex labor environments.

• Boston
  HR Consultants in Boston to Watch
  Home to top universities and biotech firms, Boston’s HR consultants often work at the intersection of academic excellence, healthcare innovation, and startup acceleration.

• Toronto
  HR Consultants in Toronto to Watch
  Canada’s business capital boasts a diverse HR consulting scene that blends global perspective with deep local knowledge across tech, finance, and public service.

• London
  HR Consultants in London to Watch
  London’s HR consultants balance legacy financial institutions with rising tech and creative firms, offering strategic talent support across global markets.

• Sydney
  HR Consultants in Sydney to Watch
  In one of APAC’s most influential business centers, Sydney-based HR professionals help organizations scale sustainably while championing well-being and workplace equity.

A Final Word from Digital Reference

We’re not a talent agency. We’re a reference desk for the real world of work. Our goal is to help founders, HR leaders, and operators connect with the people who actually get things done.

This list of HR consultants isn’t exhaustive—but it’s a start. Keep it bookmarked. Share it with your ops team. And if you know someone who should be featured, hit us up ( hello@digitalreference.co ).

The future of HR is already here—and it’s fractional, flexible, and full of heart.

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