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About South Creek HR
South Creek HR was founded on a simple belief: leaders do their best work when they feel supported, informed, and confident navigating people challenges.
I partner with organizations to help leaders solve real, day-to-day workplace challenges: from managing people effectively to navigating compliance, employee relations, and organizational change. At the heart of my work is a commitment to empowering leaders with the clarity, tools, and perspective they need to make thoughtful decisions and move forward with confidence.
My approach is practical and relationship-driven. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions or HR for the sake of HR. Instead, I focus on understanding how a business actually operates and helping leaders address challenges in a way that is compliant, grounded, and aligned with their goals.
South Creek HR primarily serves small to mid-sized organizations across Minnesota and Iowa, with virtual support available more broadly.
Crystal Hanson, Founder & HR Practitioner
About Crystal
I’m Crystal Hanson, Founder and Principal Consultant of South Creek HR.
I hold a Master’s degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and have spent my career working across a wide range of HR disciplines, including leadership development, employee relations, compliance, investigations, and organizational effectiveness. Throughout my career, I’ve worked closely with owners, executives, managers, and internal HR teams as they navigate complex business and people challenges.
In 2016, I launched South Creek HR to provide hands-on, trusted HR support for leaders who want practical guidance without unnecessary complexity. Over time, the practice has grown through long-standing client relationships built on trust, transparency, and results.
My work is grounded in the belief that leadership is learned through practice, not perfection. A coaching mindset has always shaped how I support leaders: emphasizing reflection, feedback, and intentional skill-building. That perspective influences how I ask questions, listen beneath the surface, and balance accountability with empathy and help leaders build confidence and capability over time.
In addition to my consulting work, I serve as an assistant coach for a high school track & field team in the spring and run an elementary cross country program in the fall. These roles are personal passions and opportunities to support young people in moments that often mirror what I see with leaders in the workplace: navigating pressure, setbacks, confidence, and growth.
Outside of work, I live on a farm near Fairmont, Minnesota, with my husband and our family. We’re actively involved in agriculture and our lifestyle continues to shape my appreciation for hard work, accountability, and community.
At the core of my work is a commitment to empowering leaders, solving meaningful challenges, and helping organizations build stronger, more effective workplaces.
