Lauren Smith Sphr

Lauren Smith, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has a strong background in human resources, spanning multiple industries. Lauren is currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Envision Unlimited, a role they began in 2022. Prior to this, they held the same position at Children's Place Association from 2019 to 2021, where they oversaw talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, and leadership development. From 2016 to 2019, they served as the Director of Employee Relations at Columbia College Chicago, where they focused on improving human capital and institutional outcomes. Before that, they worked as a Senior HR Consultant at Ledbetter Learning, providing strategic solutions to boost individual and organizational performance. Lauren also served as a Human Resources/Labor Relations Manager at Tribune Publishing Company, supporting over 1,000 employees and managing contracts for six union groups. Lauren has additional experience as a Senior HR Analyst at US. Foods, an Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200, and a Chief HR Officer at CSD158. In their various roles, they have demonstrated expertise in talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation design, leadership development, and labor negotiations.

Lauren Smith, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, has a strong educational background in business administration, labor and employment law, and organizational management. In 2021, they began studying at Capella University where they are currently pursuing a Doctor's Degree in Business Administration. Prior to that, from 2016 to 2018, they attended Tulane University Law School and obtained a Master of Jurisprudence degree in Labor and Employment Law. In 2006 to 2008, Lauren attended Western Illinois University and obtained an Ed.S degree with a focus on an unspecified field of study. Lauren also holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, which they earned from 2000 to 2002.

Lauren has also achieved additional certifications in their field. In December 2014, they obtained the SHRM-SCP certification from the Society for Human Resource Management. Additionally, in June 2004, they obtained the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) Certification from the HR Certification Institute - HRCI.