Following a national search, Kathleen Gallucci has been named University of Rochester vice president and chief human resources officer, effective August 1, 2021. Gallucci joined the University in 2016 and since September 2020 has served as interim CHRO, in addition to continuing her role as vice president for human resources at the Medical Center.
Reporting directly to the president, CHRO duties encompass human resources programs and services for every division of the University. It is a key leadership role responsible for developing a progressive, innovative, efficient, and collaborative HR organization that supports a University-wide culture of engagement. The position directs the overall strategic and operational human resources functions and implements programs and policies that recognize the diversity of the University community, enhance organizational effectiveness, and ensure quality recruitment retention, training, and development of employees.
“Throughout the University, Kathy is highly respected for her leadership of cultural and operational improvements, as well as her vision, integrity, and collaboration,” said University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “Serving as the interim CHRO for the past year, she delivered both stability and innovation when critically needed to help guide our response to COVID-19—one of the most challenging periods of time in our University’s history when it comes to achieving human resources and staffing objectives. She keenly understands the culture of higher education, the culture of academic medical centers and health care, and our own unique University culture, and I am very happy to have her continue in this role.
“Thank you to committee chair Donna Gooden Payne, vice president and general counsel, and all of the committee members for their many months of work dedicated to this search process.”
Serving as interim CHRO throughout this past year, Gallucci has led the institution’s pandemic response in relation to the rapidly changing needs of the University’s nearly 25,000 employees, while also ensuring that the University’s workforce was able to keep the institution operational in fulfillment of its responsibilities to students, faculty, staff, and patients. She also was a key member of the leadership team that introduced the Medical Center’s five-year Equity & Anti-Racism Action Plan, which outlines strategies to strengthen diversity across the system. Separately, she helped lead the way for the University’s announcement of a $15 minimum wage by December 2022, as part of the Rochester-Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI) and the University’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be selected for this role at the University at this pivotal time in our history,” said Gallucci. “I look forward to working with everyone across the University community to build on the momentum already underway to transform the human resources function to support our strategic initiatives and our employees, who make our mission and vision come to life each and every day.”
Gallucci was named associate vice president for human resources at the Medical Center and executive director for human resources for the University in 2016, and in 2018 became vice president. At the Medical Center, she led a team of 58 that manages the Medical Center’s hiring processes, workforce development, performance management, and benefits programs. With a dual responsibilities in the Medical Center and the University’s non-Medical Center campuses, she has worked to deliver a “best-in-class” service organization that supports the Medical Center’s strategic priorities and those of the entire University.
Previously, she was chief human resource officer and director of Lean process initiatives at Highland Hospital. She joined Highland in 2004 as director of organizational development. She also spent seven years in HR positions at Wegmans Food Markets and was appointed director of corporate human resources there in 1998.
The Office of Human Resources provides University-wide service and support in the areas of staffing and recruitment; benefits; training, retention and professional development; employee wellness (Well-U); labor relations; awards and recognition; and workforce diversity.
