Her Story
About Alana
Alana Gisleson, CCP, GRP is a seasoned Human Resources and Total Rewards leader known for driving organizational growth through strategic compensation, benefits, and people operations. Based in the New York City metropolitan area, she currently serves as Senior Manager of Compensation and Benefits, North America at Orion Innovation, where she plays a key role in shaping scalable, globally aligned rewards strategies. With over a decade of experience in HR, Alana has built a reputation for connecting the dots between people, operations, and business outcomes—delivering both high-level strategy and hands-on execution during periods of rapid growth and transformation. Throughout her career, Alana has demonstrated deep expertise in compensation planning, benefits administration, wellness programming, and HR operations. Her leadership is grounded in a strong analytical foundation, influenced by her early background in accounting, which allows her to navigate the complex intersection of data, compliance, and employee experience. She is particularly passionate about transparency in compensation, employee wellbeing, and leveraging technology—such as AI-driven decision support tools—to enhance how organizations communicate and deliver total rewards. Her ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels has made her a trusted partner to executive leadership and a champion for practical, people-centered solutions. Alana holds a Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies and Employee Relations from Rutgers University and has earned prestigious certifications including Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) and Global Remuneration Professional (GRP) through WorldatWork. Known for her approachable leadership style, she prioritizes building strong, trust-based relationships and fostering environments where employees feel valued and informed. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an advocate for continuous learning, resilience, and wellness in the workplace—principles she actively integrates into both her leadership philosophy and the programs she designs.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining an openness to learning, cultivating consistent and meaningful professional relationships, seeking guidance from strong mentors, and approaching challenges with a mindset of curiosity—willing to research and find solutions rather than relying on knowing everything upfront.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone, and the moments where I’ve felt slightly out of my depth have ended up being the most valuable for my development. It’s something I’m really committed to as I continue to grow in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your current scope or role. Embracing different projects allows you to explore new skills, discover hidden passions, and potentially reshape your career trajectory in ways you might not expect.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A big challenge in Total Rewards right now is navigating competing priorities, employees expect more transparency and rising rewards, while leadership is focused on cost control and governance. That balance can be difficult to manage, but it creates an opportunity to position Total Rewards as a strategic lever, not just a support function, and play a more meaningful role in driving business outcomes.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are emotional intelligence, approachability, continuous learning, creativity, and collaboration. They guide how I interact with others, approach challenges, and create an environment where people feel supported and able to do their best work.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · New Jersey
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.