Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Vernetta Kinchen

Vernetta Kinchen

Lansing,NY

Summary

Dynamic professional with extensive experience managing and leading initiatives to drive organizational success. Proven track record of developing creative solutions that reduce costs, increase operational efficiency, and improve employee engagement. Skilled in cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and implementing best practices to ensure compliance. Expertise in strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation analysis. Highly motivated professional with an impressive record of launching and leading change initiatives. Proven ability to develop creative strategies to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. Experienced in leveraging technology, developing strategic partnerships, and managing cross-functional teams to propel growth and profitability. A purposeful leader with a passion for developing and implementing innovative solutions with an entrepreneurial attitude.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Administration

Cornell University
05.2023 - Current
  • Areas of responsibility include oversight of human resources, finance, facilities, sponsored programs support and student services
  • Provide leadership as a member of the department(s) and program management teams, together with the Academic Director
  • Partner with department/program heads to ensure effective leadership of units
  • Play a leadership role in development of innovative programs, implementation of innovative and effective interdisciplinary program management, and facilitation of changes in university systems, policies, and procedures in support of unique and non-traditional academic programs
  • Serve as a member of the central college administrative leadership group.
  • Generated reports, uploaded documents into digital storage and prepared client case affidavits.
  • Evaluated operational practices and identified improvement opportunities to develop revisions for systems and procedures.
  • Evaluated organizational performance by gathering, analyzing and interpreting data and metrics.

Executive Director for Housing and Lodging

Syracuse University
07.2021 - 05.2023
  • Responsible for 21 residential halls on campus, luxury apartment complex, and three lodging facilities with a budget responsibility of $80 million+
  • Led a team of seven reports at the director's level
  • Created a culture of transparency through open communication with staff members at all levels within the organization
  • Provided executive leadership in setting long-term goals and objectives, creating policies, and developing procedures for the organization
  • Collaborated with university leadership to ensure alignment between organizational mission and vision, core values, and operations
  • Established key partnerships with local businesses to expand outreach opportunities and build relationships in the community
  • Led teams of professionals, providing guidance, mentoring, and setting clear objectives
  • Developed and achieved financial goals by managing expenses.

COVID Interim Collection Sample Site Director

Cornell University
09.2020 - 07.2021
  • Led the process of site development and operations for collection for 9 COVID collection sites on Cornell University Campus
  • Managed a team of fourteen direct reports and was responsible for staffing, training, policy, and procurement
  • Collaborated with HR for onboarding and training
  • Maintained safe learning environment by monitoring security protocols
  • Displayed strong people skills when working collaboratively with diverse groups of people
  • Developed and implemented operational policies and procedures to ensure efficient operations
  • Developed clear guidelines for how employees should respond during emergencies
  • Maintained a comprehensive database of all relevant contacts to facilitate rapid response times
  • Evaluated existing procedures for responding to critical incidents to identify gaps or weaknesses
  • Coordinated efforts across multiple departments to ensure consistent implementation of policies
  • Facilitated regular training sessions for staff members on proper protocols for responding to crises
  • Developed a communication tool for senior executives.
  • Recruited and hired top-quality staff to fill important positions.
  • Facilitated effective communication between internal and external stakeholders.
  • Trained new team members on site policies and procedures.
  • Provided onsite training to help develop employee skills.

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Cornell University
07.2019 - 09.2020
  • Proactively sourced talent, developed diverse talent pools, and implemented diversity recruiting strategies
  • Maintained accurate records in Applicant Tracking System regarding all aspects of the recruitment process including interview notes and candidate status changes
  • Coordinated interviews between candidates and hiring panel
  • Provided training sessions on topics such as resume writing techniques or interviewing skills
  • Created and implemented comprehensive recruitment strategies to identify and attract qualified candidates.

Talent and Retention Consultant for Alumni Affairs & Development

Cornell University
02.2015 - 07.2019
  • Created strategic recruitment and engagement initiatives, administered Performance Improvement Plans, and conducted compensation analysis
  • Utilized effective communication skills when interacting with clients or colleagues both verbally and written
  • Developed successful solutions tailored to clients' specific needs
  • Provided leadership in developing corporate vision, mission, values, and culture
  • Revamped existing processes to streamline operations while increasing efficiency
  • Directed strategic planning efforts that enabled the organization to achieve its short-term goals while positioning itself for long-term success.
  • Delivered outstanding service to clients to maintain and extend relationship for future business opportunities.
  • Managed multiple deadlines across several businesses to meet dynamic needs of multiple clients.

Associate Director of Diversity & Inclusion - School of Hotel Administration

Cornell University
06.2013 - 02.2015
  • Launched diversity initiatives, selected to receive grants for diversity programming, and Inaugural Chair for Diversity committee
  • Developed and implemented strategic plans to ensure organizational goals were met
  • Collaborated with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for growth
  • Established performance metrics to track progress and success of initiatives.
  • Trained and developed department leaders and management staff for specific projects and ongoing operational needs.

Hospitality Consultant

Independent Consultant
01.2005 - 06.2013
  • Planned and executed marketing activities to improve property brand and increase revenue.
  • Participated in financial activities such as setting room rates, establishing budgets and allocating funds to departments.
  • Analyzed financial performance of property and adjusted strategies or processes as needed to improve outcomes.
  • Implemented successful strategies to increase customer satisfaction.
  • Established and upheld high standards, promoting great customer service and assistance to guests.
  • Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
  • Developed and implemented promotional strategies to increase occupancy.
  • Created and managed accurate occupancy forecasts and budgets.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Hotel Administration

Cornell University

Master of Arts (M.A.) - Organizational Development

American Public University

Executive Masters - Public Administration

Syracuse University
05.2025

Skills

  • Driving Change
  • Human Resources
  • Compensation Administration
  • HR Transformation
  • Financing Oversight
  • Process Improvement
  • Policy Implementation
  • Best Practices and Standards
  • Team Oversight
  • Facility Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Customer Service
  • Strategic Planning
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Management Team Leadership
  • Budgeting
  • Operational Improvements
  • Customer Experience
  • Active Listening
  • PeopleSoft
  • Executive Leadership
  • Workday
  • Oracle
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Budget Development

Certification

  • Driving Change eCornell
  • Consulting eCornell
  • Cornell Supervisor Development
  • Talent Acquisition and Planning eCornell
  • Administrative Director Harold Craft Leadership
  • Business Leadership for Human Resources eCornell
  • Human Resource Management eCornell

Volunteer Experience

  • Cornell Alumni Global Hotel Society
  • Cornell Global Cornell Hall of Fame Section
  • Cornell Chapter President

Timeline

Director of Administration - Cornell University
05.2023 - Current
Executive Director for Housing and Lodging - Syracuse University
07.2021 - 05.2023
COVID Interim Collection Sample Site Director - Cornell University
09.2020 - 07.2021
Talent Acquisition Specialist - Cornell University
07.2019 - 09.2020
Talent and Retention Consultant for Alumni Affairs & Development - Cornell University
02.2015 - 07.2019
Associate Director of Diversity & Inclusion - School of Hotel Administration - Cornell University
06.2013 - 02.2015
Hospitality Consultant - Independent Consultant
01.2005 - 06.2013
Cornell University - Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Hotel Administration
American Public University - Master of Arts (M.A.), Organizational Development
Syracuse University - Executive Masters, Public Administration
Vernetta Kinchen