As Founder and CEO of Direct HR Consulting, Leslie Barkley attains great personal satisfaction in helping small, mid-sized and emerging companies focus on the day-to-day operation of running a business while she manages their direct human resource needs. Leslie grew her vast knowledge and experience in human resources, including business strategy, communications training, coaching, and financial management, to found Direct HR Consulting; A company that is built on strength, talent, integrity, and work ethic. 

Since 2016, Leslie has partnered with businesses to assist them with growth and profitability by helping them align their business needs with the necessary talent pool, ensuring they had the proper systems in place to protect them legally and financially, and utilizing technology to maximize productivity. 

As former Human Resources Director for the Delaware State Housing Authority, Leslie helped grow the agency from a small business mindset to an innovative agency by implementing processes and procedures to better streamline the working in multiple departments.  

Leslie brings a wealth of experience across a diverse range of industries including: government, construction management, professional services, healthcare, and non-profits. By working directly with and for senior leadership teams, Leslie consistently made positive contributions that allowed the companies to same time and money; ultimately increasing their bottom line.  

Leslie has designed and implemented recruiting/hiring/onboarding strategies, paperless HR, process improvement, diversity inclusion groups, HRIS systems, benefits programs, succession planning, and effective recognition programs, while managing compliance issues, payroll, and defending required legal action. 

Leslie earned her Bachelor's of Science in Organizational Leadership & Development from Widener University and a Master's of Science in Human Resource Management from Penn State University. She is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Delmarva Division of SHRM. Leslie also holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from The State of Delaware.