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Huntington Beach, CA, USA

Lisa K.

HR Strategist | Aligning People, Culture, and Business Goals

Lisa Kheloco is a fractional HR Leader who transforms startups and growth-stage companies by building people systems that scale. Through Purely Resources, she has partnered with venture-backed companies like Spatial to architect HR foundations from the ground up—designing values-driven cultures that accelerate revenue, improve retention, and eliminate the operational roadblocks that slow momentum.

With over a decade leading HR at startups and high-growth companies, Lisa specializes in translating vision into execution. She's built people operations from scratch at tech startups, scaled teams through rapid growth, and served as a People Partner at Burkland Associates working with 25+ venture-backed companies. Most recently, she designed and implemented the complete HR infrastructure for Spatial, embedding core values into every touchpoint of the employee journey—from hiring processes to performance frameworks—creating a scalable foundation that supports sustainable growth.

Known for rolling up her sleeves and partnering closely with leadership teams, Lisa thrives in the ambiguity of early-stage growth. She brings both strategic vision and hands-on execution, whether she's conducting talent audits, designing compensation frameworks, or coaching managers through difficult conversations. Her approach is rooted in a simple belief: when people feel supported, aligned, and connected to purpose, they do their best work—and the business wins.

Let's build a people foundation that fuels your growth!

Hire Lisa
Lisa K.

Work

Spatial Systems, Inc.

spatial.io

Partnered with Spatial to strengthen their people foundation—leading core values development, designing culture-aligned people systems, and managing complex immigration processes including PERMs and visas. Helped build structure and clarity across the employee experience to support a growing, globally distributed team.

Experience

Nov 2016 — Present
Purely Resources

Purely Resources

Owner | HR Consultant

Purely Resources helps small businesses and startups build workplaces people love. Through Culture by Design, we turn company values into clear systems across hiring, onboarding, and reviews. We also offer fractional HR leadership to help teams grow with clarity, connection, and purpose—because when people thrive, business follows.

  • Founded Purely Resources to empower small businesses and startups with strategic HR support, designing systems that reflect company values and culture.
  • Developed comprehensive HR frameworks for values-based hiring processes, effective onboarding experiences, and performance evaluation systems.
  • Managed sensitive employee relations and compliance matters, ensuring a respectful and legally sound work environment.
  • Oversaw benefits selection and administration, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention through tailored benefits packages.
Dec 2021 — Aug 2023
Burkland

Burkland

People Partner

Burkland gives startups a solid foundation to grow with confidence. Our fractional CFOs, accountants, HR advisors, and tax experts offer strategic guidance to ease a company’s growing pains and provide the financial insight and operational processes to scale. We provide the expertise that makes economic sense ranging from Pre-Seed to Series C. Burkland serves over 800 venture-backed startups in the SaaS, AI, Consumer, Fintech, Clean Energy, Biotech, and Healthcare sectors across the United States. Our Core Values: * Fresh Perspectives - Our approach drives innovative solutions and breakthroughs. * Empathy - Our team's deep startup experience allows us to understand our client’s point of view. * Exponential Value - We continually expand the boundaries of success for our clients. * Trusted Partner - We are accessible, reliable, and respectful.

  • Served as a vital HR strategic partner to 20+ high-growth startups, aligning people systems with their unique values and stage of growth.
  • Introduced and executed effective hiring, onboarding, and performance programs that balanced clarity of purpose with compassion, driving engagement and trust.
  • Demonstrated exceptional capability in nurturing culture-driven systems, significantly boosting lasting engagement and a trustworthy environment for client teams.
Aug 2014 — Oct 2016
Paragus IT

Paragus IT

HR Manager > Chief Human Resources Officer

Paragus IT provides comprehensive IT solutions and services including outsourced IT support, strategic consulting, and cybersecurity protection for businesses across New England. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and excellent customer service, Paragus IT helps businesses leverage technology to achieve their objectives.

  • Transformed HR from a traditional administrative function to a strategic organizational partner, playing a pivotal role in culture development and personnel management.
  • Championed the creation and implementation of employee development programs, fostering a productive and supportive work environment.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives, ensuring a cohesive company culture and operational efficiency.
  • Oversaw operational functions, contributing to streamlined processes, and supporting the company's growth trajectory.
May 2014 — Jun 2014
The Markens Group

The Markens Group

HR Project Manager

The Markens Group is a management consulting agency specializing in association management and strategic consulting for trade associations and non-profits. Leveraging deep industry knowledge and strategic insight, The Markens Group helps organizations enhance their operational efficiency, engage members, and drive growth.

  • Led the association management accreditation project, developing frameworks, policies, and standardized templates that reinforced organizational excellence.
  • Implemented scalable, values-aligned HR foundations, supporting a positive and cohesive culture.
  • Coordinated company-wide events and managed internal communications, contributing to improved team dynamics and collaboration.
Jan 2012 — Nov 2016
Valley Venture Mentors

Valley Venture Mentors

Facilitator

Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) is a Western Massachusetts nonprofit with a mission to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving, scalable businesses. We have three core programs that engage experts and volunteers to support a network of new startup businesses with potential for high growth. Our programs support early-stage startups from all business sectors to transform their ideas into sustainable business models, create innovative products and services, and to learn about types of capital and how to raise it. We strive to prepare startups for significant growth and investment through mentorship, building social capital, and intensive training. All VVM programs are free of cost for entrepreneurs and offer resources essential to startups’ success like mentorship, pitch training, and connections to investors. Mentors offer startups “lovingly critical” advice and startups learn, grow, and inspire one another, creating strong social capital among entrepreneurs, making Western MA a destination for startups.

  • Facilitated mentorship and professional development sessions as a dedicated facilitator and mentor, directly contributing to the growth and success of early-stage companies.
  • Provided strategic marketing and operational guidance, leveraging in-depth industry knowledge and practical experience working in dynamic startup environments.
Jan 2010 — Apr 2014
American Eagle Cycles, Inc.

American Eagle Cycles, Inc.

HR Manager > Vice President

American Eagle Cycles, Inc. brings you the ultimate recreational tricycle for adults. With easy on and off, superior ergonomic design, and zero maintenance*, this is the perfect way for adults of all fitness levels to get moving and explore the world. Visit www.aecycles.com for more information and pictures of the vehicle.

  • Spearheaded HR and operational initiatives, enhancing organizational structure and employee engagement.
  • Played a key role in event management, coordinating large-scale events that elevated the company's brand and audience reach.
May 2005 — Jan 2009
Clear Channel Radio

Clear Channel Radio

Promotions Team

iHeartMedia, with over a quarter of a billion monthly listeners in the U.S. and over 129 million social followers, has the largest national reach of any radio or television outlet in America. iHeartMedia's multiplatform connections include radio broadcasting, online, mobile, digital and social media, podcasts, personalities and influencers, live concerts and events, syndication, music research services, and independent media representation.

  • Collaborated in event production, supporting the setup and management of live events that enhanced brand visibility and listener engagement.
  • Contributed to creative marketing initiatives, engaging attendees and promoting the station’s image at various events.