Kathi Kiernan, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Kathi Kiernan has over 30 years of experience in human resources. Kathi began their career as the Director of Training at the St. Regis Hotel in 1990. Kathi later worked as the Director of HR at Nikko Hotels North America, where they developed strategic HR plans and ensured compliance with policies and regulations. Following that, they served as the HR Manager at New England Culinary Institute, overseeing multiple campuses and approximately 200 employees. Kathi then took on the role of Vice President at VHRA, where they worked until 2007.

Further, they worked at Trapp Family Lodge, first as the Rooms Division Director and later as the Director of HR, managing recruiting, payroll, employee relations, and legal challenges. Kathi implemented changes that resulted in cost savings and improved safety records.

Kathi also gained experience as an HR Recruiter/Generalist at JPR and as an HR Generalist on a contract basis at Vermont Electric Cooperative. Kathi provided HR consulting services for SMARTvt and developed curriculum material for an organization development program.

Their most recent experience was as the Director of Human Resources at NG Advantage LLC, a small company that delivers compressed natural gas. In this role, they developed and implemented HR policies and systems, recruited staff at all levels, and ensured compliance with regulations.

Throughout their career, Kathi has demonstrated a strong ability to develop positive, engaged cultures and has a track record of driving effective and efficient HR operations.

Kathi Kiernan, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, obtained a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree in Hotel Management from Cornell University, where they studied from 1981 to 1983. Prior to that, they completed their Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in French, Norwegian, and Education at St. Olaf College from 1974 to 1978.

In addition to their educational background, Kathi Kiernan also holds the certification of SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), which they obtained from SHRM in January 2015.