About Elder & Associates
Leadership Foundation
Elder & Associates is a woman-owned, certified MBE/WBE/NCSBE, and HUB-certified company that provides Fractional HR Leadership for small businesses that can't afford risk. With the challenges of HR compliance, employee relations, leave administration, background screening, and organizational leadership, Dr. Elder serves as a trusted advisor to business owners, executives, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and government-adjacent firms navigating complex workforce challenges.
Her work is grounded in one core belief: most HR crises are preventable when systems, policies, and leadership practices are aligned correctly. Through strategic assessment, advisement and practical solutions, we help organizations reduce employment risk, strengthen internal processes, and protect both leadership and employees.
Known for translating complex employment laws into clear, actionable guidance and for providing steady leadership during high-risk employee situations - allows organizations to access senior-level HR expertise without the cost of a full internal HR department.
Core Values
- Integrity - We operate with honesty, discretion, and ethical responsibility in every engagement. Confidentiality and trust are non-negotiable.
- Compliance Excellence - We prioritize lawful, defensible HR practices that protect organizations, leadership, and employees.
- Clarity - We translate complex employment regulations into clear, actionable guidance that leaders can confidently apply.
- Professional Partnership - We respect professional boundaries and collaborate effectively with attorneys, CPAs, brokers, and advisors.
- Accountability - We stand behind our work, our recommendations, and our documentation.
- People-Centered Leadership - We believe compliant HR practices and respectful workplaces go hand in hand.
The PROTECT™ HR Framework
- Policies Aligned
Ensuring policies reflect current laws and operational realities. - Risk Identified
Proactively uncovering compliance gaps and exposure points. - Operations Compliant
Aligning onboarding, documentation, leave, and employee processes. - Training Supervisors
Equipping leaders to manage employees correctly and consistently. - Employee Relations Stabilized
Reducing complaints, conflict, and escalation. - Compliance Documented
Creating defensible, audit-ready documentation. - Trust Restored
Building confidence with leadership and clarity for employees.
Core Competencies
- HR Compliance & Risk Management - Expertise in identifying, mitigating, and managing employment-related risk for small businesses across industries.
- Fractional HR Leadership - Providing executive-level HR advisement without the cost of a full-time internal HR department.
- Leave Administration & Accommodations - Guidance and oversight for FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and related leave and accommodation processes.
- Employee Relations & Investigations - Professional handling of employee concerns, workplace conflicts, and sensitive employee matters.
- Policy Development & Documentation - Creation, review, and alignment of policies, handbooks, and HR documentation to ensure compliance and consistency.
- Background Checks & Workforce Screening - FCRA-compliant administration of employee and volunteer background screening programs.
- Advisor Collaboration - Working alongside legal, financial, and insurance professionals to support client outcomes without overlap or conflict.