A national search is underway for the university鈥檚 next senior associate vice chancellor and chief people officer (CPO), who will lead the Department of Human Resources. The university鈥檚 goal is to identify a final candidate by this fall.
Llen Pomeroy, associate vice chancellor and Title IX coordinator in the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, is chairing the , whose membership includes representation from shared governance, administrative support units and school/college leadership.听
The CPO plays the central role in shaping the campus鈥檚 people operations, including in the areas of organizational development, succession planning, talent acquisition, talent management, change management, organizational and performance management, training and development and compensation. The CPO provides strategic leadership and demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the institution. The Department of Human Resources serves nearly 10,000 non-student employees.听
Chief Operating Officer Patrick O鈥橰ourke, to whom the CPO reports, said changing the title of the position leading the Office of Human Resources is intended to better reflect the scope of the role and the importance of the work, guidance and asset management provided.
鈥淭he people working for CU Boulder advance the university鈥檚 mission in innovative and invaluable ways on a daily basis,鈥� said O鈥橰ourke, who leads Strategic Resources and Support, which is the university鈥檚 business, finance and operations division. 鈥淲e are aiming to hire a leader who will grow HR鈥檚 record of sustaining and supporting our people in ways that ensure their health, wellness, sense of belonging and professional fulfillment so that the university is recognized as a destination employer in the state.鈥�
Merna Jacobsen has served as interim chief human resources officer since July 1, 2021, following the retirement of Katherine Erwin. Jacobsen will return to her role as associate vice chancellor, overseeing employee and organizational development, once the new CPO is onboard.听
鈥淲e are grateful to Merna for her selflessness and leadership during this time of transition,鈥� O鈥橰ourke said. 鈥淗er guidance has ensured the continued delivery of the services and support that are so crucial to the success of our people.鈥�
