Human Resources Consultants

HR Consultants provide guidance and support to managers and employees of designated departments with special emphasis on issues related to performance management and employee relations. HR Consultants understand operational facets of the departments, colleges, and institutes they support, including strategic goals and the human resources aspects related to those goals in order to deliver the most effective solutions possible.

Sarah Misener, Director, HR Consultants and Shared Services sarah
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: Manager, Training and Development; Director, Employment Services; Director, Employee Relations, Director, Shared Services
External experience: 20 years of HR experience in the pharmaceutical industry including compensation, recruiting, labor and employee relations, and training
Educational Background: Bachelor degree from Indiana University, General Studies with concentration in Human Resources
What Sarah finds rewarding about working in Human Resources: Working in Human Resources affords me the luxury of working with all areas of the University. I appreciate the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to Notre Dame’s goals. Working with staff and faculty to do that has made my role most rewarding!
Mark Kocovski, Senior HR Consultant mark
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: Various roles with HR, currently Sr. Human Resources Consultant
Educational Background: Undergraduate from Notre Dame, Graduate of the ACE (Alliance for Catholic Education) program, Law School DePaul University
Assigned client groups: Provost office, Academic Space Management, Academic Services for Student Athletes, Archives, Innovation Park, Undergraduate Admissions, Pre-College Programs, Office of Student Financial Services, Registrar, First Year of Studies, ROTC, Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement (CUSE), Office of Disabilities Services, Kaneb Center for Teaching and Learning, Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars,
Office of Student Affairs, Harper Cancer Institute
What Mark finds rewarding about working as an HR Consultant: Every day it is a pleasure to be with people who give so freely of their God given talents to continue to enhance the extraordinary place that is the University of Notre Dame. As amazing individuals and teams come together here for the betterment of the world, it is my hope that I can contribute in a meaningful way to foster a fruitful environment in which they work. No matter the circumstances or events, I am always confident that we come together around a decision that flows from our minds and through hearts . These are just a few of the many reasons why being both an HRC and employee of the University are quite rewarding.
Lori Maurer, HR Consultant
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: After serving in the Division of Student Affairs as Associate Director of Residence Life & Housing, Lori accepted the Associate HR Business Partner position in 2007.
External experience: Lori came to Notre Dame in 1994 from Saint Joseph’s University.
Educational Background: Lori’s professional career has been in higher education after completing a Master’s degree from the University of North Dakota.
Assigned client groups: Lori is responsible for the implementation, planning and support of HR programs for various academic units across campus including Hesburgh Libraries, the College of Arts & Letters, College of Engineering, Graduate School, Center for Social Concerns, University Press, DeBartolo Performing Arts Center, Institute for Church Life, Snite Museum, Alliance for Catholic Education, Trio Program
What Lori finds rewarding about working as an HR Consultant: The HR Consultant role presents new challenges every day. This position furthers the HR initatives and provides resources and solutions to organizational issues. The aspect of the role that I find most enjoyable is the opportunity to be visible on campus and interact with employees of all levels at the University.
Kara Palmer, HR Consultant kara
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: Compensation Analyst / Sr. Compensation Analyst from April, 2008 – March, 2011
External experience: 7 years prior experience to Notre Dame as an Human Resources Generalist responsible for Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training and Development, Benefits and Compensation, Recruiting, Organizational Design and Strategic Planning in both Administrative Services and Manufacturing industries.
Educational Background: BS from Purdue University
Assigned client groups: Campus Safety, College of Science, Office of Internationalization, Law School, Mendoza College of Business, and School of Architecture
What Kara finds rewarding about working as an HR Consultant: I enjoy and embrace the opportunity to work closely with employees to maintain a respectful, fair and safe work environment that is consistent with the university’s values and Catholic Mission. I believe in working closely together with both employees and supervisors/managers to provide advice and assistance through listening, coaching and guidance, as all employees are vital to the success of the University. Building new relationships and maintaining a connection with others is the biggest reward for me as an HR Consultant!
Sharon Hawkins, Senior HR Consultant sharon
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: Hired as an HR Generalist in 1999, promoted to Sr. HR Business Partner 2005
External experience: Prior to coming to Notre Dame, I worked for Target Corporation for 19 years. I started working at Target as a part-time clerk, while in college; was promoted to a department manager for 6 years then manager of personnel. My responsibilities at Target included merchandising oversight of store operations, staffing, store and district training, and the community volunteer program.
Educational Background: I am a graduate of Indiana University at South Bend. I hold certifications in Organizational Design, The MBTI program and Mediation.
Assigned client groups: Athletics Department
What Sharon finds rewarding about working as an HR Consultant: The things I find most rewarding about the work of an HRC is the opportunity to interact with so many people. Having spent 12 years primarily with the Business Operations team, and the last 5 years with Athletics has provided an opportunity to learn about the business side of the operations and develop relationships both on a professional as well as personal level. It is also rewarding for me to know that everyone who comes to work here is helping to carry on the tradition and support the mission of such a special place.
Lisa Yates, Associate HR Consultant
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: I began my career at the University in 2002 with the Department of American Studies in the College of Arts and Letters. In 2005, I joined the Office of Human Resources and have held various positions including Sr. Administrative Assistant, Customer Service Representative and Recruiting Consultant.
External experience: Prior to Notre Dame, Lisa worked as HR support at Travelmore Carlton-Wagonlit Travel, and held various positions in sales and customer service in the manufacturing, insurance and retail industries.
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Business from Indiana University South Bend with a major in HR Management. She is also a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
Assigned client groups: Auxiliary Operations, Campus Services, and Facilities Design & Maintenance Divisions
What Lisa finds rewarding about working as an HR Consultant: Working as an HR Consultant has been one of my goals as I enjoy helping others and providing guidance, assistance and advice. What is most rewarding for me in this role is the opportunity to help make an impact on others and to be a resource through their employment experience at the University!
Laura Picking, HR Consultant laura
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: Newly hired
External experience: Laura has 7 years of prior experience in HR, most recently as an HR Manager within the Insurance Industry. She was responsible for directing and coordinating human resources functions and activities such as employment, payroll and compensation, benefits, training and development, and employee relations.
Educational Background: BA in Business Administration from Bethel College; MA in Human Resources Management from Webster University; Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Certification.
Assigned client groups: Campus Services, and Facilities Design & Maintenance Divisions
What Laura finds rewarding about working as an HR Consultant: I enjoy the variety and depth of my work as well as the opportunity to build lasting relationships with employees across campus. It’s the ability to provide guidance and support that enhance our programs and our most valuable asset, our people, which make this position both challenging and rewarding. Moreover, I appreciate working with others who are passionate about the University and who succeed in making it a highly efficient and enjoyable atmosphere.
Matthew Blazejewski, HR Consultant
Positions or experience at Notre Dame: Recruiting Consultant, Office of HR (August 2005 – January 2007); Associate HR Business Partner, Office of HR (January 2007 – June 2010, supported Business Operations and Athletics); HR Consultant, Office of HR (June 2010 – present)
External experience: Employment Specialist, Boston University; Account Executive, Robert Half International; Senior Consultant, Accenture
Educational Background: BS in Economics from University of Kentucky
Assigned client groups: Finance, General Counsel, Investment, OIT, OPAC, Office of Strategic Planning & Institutional Research, President’s Office, University Relations
What Matthew finds rewarding about working as an HR Consultant: My career has taken a winding path to get to HR, but I was attracted to it because of the opportunity to make a positive impact on the work environment for all employees, the constant variety of work, and the challenge of helping employees at all levels find solutions. There are a lot of hats that I have to wear as an HRC, but I think at its most basic my role is to “make Notre Dame a great place to work.”

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