Sonja Parkinson

Sonja Parkinson leads the HR consulting group at YYHR, bringing experience that spans public accounting, independent consulting, and organizational HR strategy. Sonja advises clients across a wide range of HR areas, with a primary focus on compensation planning, performance management, HR assessments, compliance, and best practices. Sonja enjoys helping leaders sort through complex HR challenges and turn them into clear, fair, and consistent people practices. She often reminds clients that consistency and communication are the foundation of effective HR.

Outside of the office, Sonja enjoys journaling, cooking, nature walks, and traveling. She also enjoys exploring Michigan destinations like Silver Lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Specializations

  • Compensation planning and management
  • HR advisory services for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities
  • HR assessments and compliance
  • Performance management

Professional Certifications and Education

  • Master of Accountancy, Bowling Green State University
  • Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Organizational Development, Eastern Michigan University
  • SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

Professional Membership

  • Greater Ann Arbor Society for Human Resource Management (GAASHRM)
  • Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Publications/Seminars

  • Presentation: Michigan Government Finance Officers Association (MGFOA) Spring Breakout Speaker, March 2025
  • Presentation: Michigan Council of the Society for Human Resource Management (MISHRM) Conference Breakout Speaker, October 2023-2025
  • Presentation: Guest Lecture, University of Toledo, February 2023
  • Webinar: Compensation planning, interviewing, and talent acquisition