Phil Mazza from Byrne Dairy

Succession Planning and Career Paths

Having a succession plan is easy, and few companies would acknowledge they lack one. The challenge is to have a plan adaptable to the dynamic nature of the succession process and the shifting demands on the company. And as with any other sort of plan, the hard part is actually executing it. The problem most companies have with succession planning is the trap to build ‘successors’ instead of a pipeline of quality talent. In 2008, Byrne Dairy had near 60% turnover and no clear succession planning or career pathing processes. Today, the company has lowered turnover and boasts several internal programs and human capital metrics that measures its internal talent. In this session you will explore the concepts and programs used by Byrne Dairy: 1) company programs that fully engage stakeholders, 2) assessment of internal candidates, 3) conducting stress tests and simulations, 4) measuring internal talent, and 5) talent on-boarding program.

Biography:  Philip Mazza is a human resources professional with over 25years experience. He has held senior management positions with nationally renowned companies like Kemper Insurance, Barnes and Noble, and Intermedia Communications. Currently, Philip is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Byrne Dairy and General Manager of its warehousing company, Syracuse Cold Storage. He is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Byrne Dairy Group. Philip served on the Board of Directors of the Central New York Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management for 10 years and is a Past President. He also has served on the Board’s of local not-for-profits -  a six-year term as a member of the Board of Directors for Home Aides of Central New York, serving as that Board's Assistant Treasurer and Chairperson of the Personnel Committee, and currently as President of the Board of Directors for Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Also, Philip has instructed college courses in human resources management at both LeMoyne College and Bryant and Stratton College. Philip has presented at several conferences providing insight into human resources policies and procedures and good management practices. Philip has also published several articles related to leadership and management and has his MBA.