Northwestern launches national search for next Chief Human Resources Officer

Northwestern University has launched a national search for its next Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). The CHRO will provide strategic leadership for the University’s human resources function and play a critical role in advancing Northwestern’s mission by fostering an exceptional workplace environment for faculty and staff.

The CHRO will report to Amanda Distel, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and will serve as a key member of the University’s leadership team. The position will lead Northwestern’s human resources strategy, including talent management, employee engagement, benefits and total rewards, organizational effectiveness, labor and employee relations, payroll and workforce planning.

A search committee representing a broad cross-section of the University has been formed to guide the process and identify a slate of highly qualified candidates. Julie White, Associate Provost for Administration, Finance and Facilities, will chair the committee. Committee members include:

• Julie White, Associate Provost for Administration, Finance and Facilities, Office of the Provost (Chair)
• Jennifer Gerrard, Senior Director, Global Engagement and Intercultural Initiatives, Office of International Relations and NUSAC Chair
• Ian Horswill, Associate Professor of Computer Science, McCormick School of Engineering and Faculty Senate President-Elect
• Zachary Clopton, Dean, Pritzker School of Law
• Heather Campbell, Vice Dean and Chief Operating Officer, Feinberg School of Medicine
• Jeff Brown, Associate Dean for Administration and Finance, School of Communication
• Angel Dizon, Senior Associate Vice President, Facilities Management
• Daniel Durack, Senior Associate Vice President, Office of Budget and Planning
• Emily Babb, Associate Vice President of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
• Caroline Camic, Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel
• Alex Rot, Assistant Provost for Faculty Operations, Office of the Provost
• Anne Martin, Assistant Vice President for Finance and Business Operations, Office of Research

The committee represents key academic, administrative, legal, financial, compliance and operational areas across Northwestern and will engage stakeholders throughout the University to inform the search and identify the qualities, experiences and leadership attributes most important for the institution’s next CHRO.

Executive search firm WittKieffer has been retained to assist the committee. Members of the Northwestern community will have opportunities to provide input during the search process, and additional information about community engagement and candidate outreach will be shared in the coming weeks.

The committee will begin its work immediately with the goal of identifying an outstanding leader to guide Northwestern’s human resources organization during a time of continued institutional evolution and strategic transformation.