About Essential HR - HR Done Right

With over 25 years of unrivaled expertise in Benefits, Human Resources, and Employee Relations, Darci is a seasoned professional who brings a comprehensive depth and breadth of knowledge to every challenge she undertakes. Her diverse background spans various sectors, including e-commerce, media, technology, private industry, advisory, healthcare, government contracting, and security.

As the Founder & CEO of EssentialHr-HR Done Right, headquartered in New Orleans, LA, Darci leads a dynamic team that provides clients with exceptional guidance and resources in all aspects of HR for today's diverse workforce. Specializing in onboarding, development, HR strategy, training, recruitment, employee benefits, and compliance, EssentialHr-HR Done Right delivers comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization.

Darci’s passion for her career extends far beyond benefits and human resources. She is well-versed in wellness programs, retirement plans, global benefits, compensation, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), and HRIS management.

Darci’s commitment to professional excellence is evident through her bachelor's from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and certifications as a Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist (CHRS) and her Global Professional Human Resources Certificate (GPHR). Her expertise has garnered recognition, and she has been a featured speaker at numerous events, captivating audiences with her insights.

With Darci at the helm, EssentialHr-HR Done Right provides organizations with the strategic vision and practical tools necessary to optimize their workforce potential. Darci’s unwavering commitment to excellence, paired with her vast knowledge and experience, make her the go-to expert for transforming and revolutionizing HR solutions in today's ever-changing business landscape. 

 Born in New York and shaped by over two decades of service in the U.S. Air Force, Kandee brings a strong foundation of leadership, operational excellence, and strategic planning to their role as Senior Director of Human Resources. During 21+ years as an Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman, Kandee developed a deep understanding of mission-critical teamwork, problem-solving under pressure, and the value of a strong, resilient team.

After retiring from military service, Kandee transitioned into the private sector with ARMA Global, where she held key roles across HR, Contracts, and Marketing—while also earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Project Management, graduating cum laude.

Her career continued to evolve with roles at Smeal Fire Apparatus, where she served as a Master Scheduler and Project Manager, and later at a construction company as an Office Engineer and Project Manager. In that role, Kandee was responsible for writing and executing contracts, further solidifying her expertise in project execution, vendor relations, and contract compliance.

Today, at EssentialHr -HR Done Right, Kandee brings together a diverse professional background to lead with purpose—driving HR strategy, building inclusive and high-performing teams, and fostering a culture rooted in trust, accountability, and continuous growth.

At Essential HR - HR Done Right, our mission is to provide exceptional human resource services to businesses of all sizes. We strive to create a positive and productive work environment for both employers and employees.

Our HR Administrative team can help with projects like:

Recruitment

Investigations

Handbook Review

Compliance Questions

Payroll Research

Compensation

We have multi-level staff that can focus on each need individually at the request of our clients.