Teddra J. Porteous is a distinguished labor and employment attorney and human resources executive, with extensive experience in advising corporate leaders and public sector organizations. Currently, as Vice President, Labor and Employment Counsel at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Teddra provides strategic legal counsel on complex employment matters, labor relations, policy compliance, and risk management. Her expertise includes leading negotiations for collective bargaining agreements, overseeing legal responses to regulatory agencies, and developing comprehensive enterprise-wide training programs.
In her previous role at Polk County Public Schools, Teddra held the executive HR leadership position, guiding HR strategy for over 13,750 employees. She drove initiatives in teacher and employee engagement, diversity and equity, and talent acquisition. Additionally, Teddra gained valuable experience from the Maryland State Highway Administration and the Iowa Department of Administrative Services, where she managed labor relations, dispute resolution, and policy development.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Teddra is dedicated to their family and community. Teddra is the spouse of Dr. Haldane Porteous and a mother to two daughters. Teddra’s family is actively involved in First Missionary Baptist Church in Winter Haven. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Lakeland, Class XXXVI. Teddra is a passionate community advocate, serving on multiple non-profit boards including Girls Inc. of Lakeland. Previously, Teddra served on boards such as Talbot House Ministries, Leadership Lakeland Alumni Association, and PACE Center for Girls, Polk.