About ExemplarHR
Founded in 2024, ExemplarHR was built to support start-up organizations navigate the unique complexities of growth, regulation, and innovation.
I believe in taking a proactive approach to HR, anticipating and addressing potential issues before they become problems. I work closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and develop customized solutions that meet their needs.
I provide both strategic leadership and hands-on execution across:
- Building HR infrastructure from the ground up
- Supporting growth and scaling teams
- Navigating compliance and regulatory environments
- Strengthening leadership and organizational effectiveness
About Me
Elizabeth Trowbridge
Summary
Fractional Head of HR and senior People leader with 20+ years partnering with CEOs and Boards in pharma, biotech, and medical device startups. Trusted strategic partner during high-growth phases, supporting executive onboarding, organizational design, and culture preservation as teams scale. Deep experience building performance management frameworks and employee relations practices that grow with the business. Proven leader in HRIS selection, implementation, and optimization to enable efficient, compliant people operations. Known for pragmatic, hands-on leadership in lean environments, providing impact 2–3 days per week.
Core Competencies
Strategic HR Leadership • Organizational Design • Workforce Planning • Talent Acquisition & Retention • Leadership Development • HRIS (Paylocity, BambooHR, ADP) Compensation & Benefits • Performance Management • Multi-State Compliance • DEI & Culture • M&A Integration • Employee Engagement • Coaching • Change Management • Commercial Readiness & Launch Support • Employee Relations & Corrective Action
Key Achievements
- Partnered with the CEO to build and align a high-performing leadership team that strengthened strategic direction and enterprise-wide planning.
- Launched eNPS and pulse-survey programs that elevated morale and improved workforce satisfaction.
- Increased top-tier hiring by 20% in a highly competitive med device and biotech talent market.
- Built the HR function and infrastructure required to support rapid post-divestiture growth.
- Implemented HRIS systems including applicant tracking, benefits administration, performance management.
- Ensured business continuity and staff safety while leading the site through the COVID-19 pandemic.
View my LinkedIn: (9) Elizabeth Trowbridge, PHR, SHRM-SCP | LinkedIn
Why ExemplarHR?
I bring more than HR support— I act as a trusted partner to the leadership team and employees.
- Executive-Level Expertise
- Fractional, Flexible Model - Get the leadership you need—without the full-time overhead
- Deep Industry Experience - Expertise in clinical-stage, regulated, and high-growth environments
- Strategic + Hands-On - We don’t just advise—we execute
- Built for Growth - Scalable solutions aligned to your business milestones
What is Fractional HR?
Fractional HR leadership provides organizations with access to experienced HR executives on a flexible, part-time basis.
This model is ideal for companies that:
- Are not ready for a full-time HR leader
- Need guidance during growth or transition
- Require hands-on support to build or strengthen HR infrastructure
How I Work
- Embedded within your leadership team
- Aligned to your business goals and milestones
- Flexible based on your needs and stage of growth
The Value
- Executive-level expertise without full-time cost
- Faster implementation and impact
- Scalable support as your organization evolves
Services
Fractional HR Leadership
- Align HR initiatives with business goals and objectives
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership Coaching
- Organizational Design
HR Infrastructure for Growing Teams
- HR audits, org structure, and scalable policy development
- HRIS, benefits, and payroll transitions (including PEO exits)
- Job architecture, leveling frameworks, and role clarity
Compliance and Risk Management
- Navigate complex HR laws and regulations for compliance avoiding costly legal issues
- Employee handbook creation & policy implementation
- Employment law compliance across multiple states
- Audit readiness (FDA, GMP, ISO)
- Leave administration (FMLA, ADA) & accommodations
- Workplace investigations & harassment prevention
- Documentation standards & recordkeeping best practices
Compensation, Benefits and Equity Strategy
- Salary benchmarking and pay equity reviews
- Bonus, incentive, and performance-based compensation design
- Stock option plan strategy and 409A alignment
- Benefits design and vendor coordination
- Payroll audit and provider transitions
Talent Acquisition and Onboarding
- Attract and retain top talent
- Implementing best practices for candidate screening and selection.
- Recruiting strategy and sourcing process
- Interview structure, evaluation tools, and offer letters
- Background checks & onboarding documentation
- New hire checklists, manager guides, and onboarding programs
Employee Engagement and Culture Strategy
- Conflict resolution, investigations, and employee coaching
- Performance management systems and training
- Culture assessments, engagement strategy, and surveys
- Internal communications planning & action plans
HR Systems and People Analytics
- HRIS selection, implementation, and optimization
- HR metrics and dashboards for leadership visibility
- Workflow automation and system integrations
Business Operations Support
- Operational planning and cross-functional coordination for scaling teams
- Headcount planning, workforce budgeting, and resource forecasting
- Vendor selection, contract coordination, and operational oversight
- Development of internal operating processes and documentation
- Support for organizational readiness, and scaling infrastructure
Training and Development
We can offer a wide range of training and development programs to help your employees build their skills and enhance their performance.