(DePaul University/Kathy Hillegonds)
Stephanie Smith will retire from DePaul on June 30 after serving as vice president and chief human resources officer for more than a decade.
Smith joined DePaul as vice president for human resources in November 2012, bringing more than 30 years of experience in strategic human resources leadership and organizational effectiveness from the retail and consumer packaged goods industries.
"As a first-generation college student, it has been my honor to leverage my skills and experience to 'pay it forward' to future generations," Smith says. "Building a strong HR team of experienced professionals and enhancing the HR function in service to DePaul has been equally gratifying."
As vice president, Smith has served as an ally and partner to university administration, management, faculty and staff. She has worked with her team to elevate the strategic role of HR, while improving processes and outcomes in hiring, onboarding, pay and performance, development, employee engagement and retention.Smith also led the effort to increase DePaul's benefits offerings, while helping to sustain a balanced budget. Among her notable achievements include the elevation of the 403(b) employer match to 10%, the extension of paid maternity and paternity leave and the implementation of a retiree medical plan.
Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in keeping DePaul employees safe, productive and employed.
Prior to DePaul, Smith was the senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Kraft Foods North America, where she worked for 22 years. Before Kraft Foods, she held a number of human resources positions with Montgomery Ward and Carson Pirie Scott. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, having obtained a bachelor's degree in English literature and a master's degree in journalism. During her time at DePaul, she earned a doctorate in business administration.
"Stephanie has been an effective, mission-focused leader during her time at DePaul," says Sherri Sidler, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "I thank her for her outstanding service and wish her the very best as she begins this next chapter."