Chancellor Syverud Selects Andy Gordon for Chief Human Resources Officer

Chancellor Kent Syverud today selected Andy Gordon to be the University’s Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) following a comprehensive national search.

Gordon, who will report to Chancellor Syverud, will assume his new role at the University on April 15.

Gordon comes to Syracuse from New York University, where he currently serves as Vice President for University Human Resources and Global Support, the most senior human resources position in the organization. At New York University, Gordon has institution-wide responsibility for a large and complex human resources operation that includes locations in New York City and abroad. During his time there he has restructured operations to incorporate a human resources shared services model; implemented new technology and database systems for benefits, payroll and human resource transactions; and guided directional changes to ensure priority of developing talent through career development and the integration of collaborative cross-functional teams. Gordon played an integral role in ensuring the successful transition of the Polytechnic University from an independent university to NYU’s School of Engineering.

“We are extremely pleased to select Andy Gordon as Syracuse University’s new Chief Human Resources Officer,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “He will lead a dynamic Human Resources team in creating the best environment possible for attracting, recruiting, rewarding and retaining exceptional faculty and staff. His team’s efforts will be an important contribution toward our vision of One University, making Syracuse the best place it can be.”

Vice Chancellor for Veterans and Military Affairs J. Michael Haynie, who chaired the search committee, says the process to identify the right candidate for chief human resources officer was one of the most thorough searches he’s ever been engaged in. “In five months we screened more than 140 applications and conducted many interviews with highly qualified candidates,” Haynie says. “The finalists came to campus and engaged with deans, directors, faculty and staff. We all agreed Andy should be our next CHRO.”

Director of Auxiliary Services Jamie Cyr, a member of the search committee, adds, “Andy is an outstanding leader with a very strong commitment to improving operations and cultivating staff development. His experience in higher education and managing multiple groups within a complex organization, together with his demonstrated track record of inspiring staff, left a strong and positive impression on all of us.”

In his new role, Gordon will report directly to Chancellor Syverud and provide strategic leadership on human resource matters, acting as the steward of the University’s human capital in service to the University’s academic mission. Gordon will lead a proactive and service-oriented organization that delivers well-conceived and well-designed services and programs to the University’s faculty, staff and student-employees.

Gordon will have administrative oversight for all aspects of the human resource function, including organizational development, training and professional development, talent management, diversity, academic human resources, compensation, labor relations and employee relations, staff recognition, administration of the human resources management system, benefits administration, departmental strategic planning, the early education and child care center, and faculty and staff assistance programs.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Syracuse University, a world-class university, at this exciting time in its history,” Gordon says. “During my visits to campus, I was impressed by the enthusiasm, energy and commitment to moving the University forward to new heights and the central role that human resources will play in that effort. I am honored by the Chancellor’s selection of me to serve in his leadership team and lead the human resources operations. I look forward to meeting with members of this terrific community.”

Prior to assuming his position at New York University, Gordon served as the executive director of human resources and employee relations for the New York City Department of Education where he directed human resources programs, policies and decision making for an infrastructure responsible for 135,000 employees and serving 1.2 million students. Gordon’s private-sector experience includes leading the development and implementation of a multi-disciplinary employment and employee relations consulting practice within the multinational consulting company Marsh McLennan in London. He began his professional career serving a federal judge in Alexandria, Va., before practicing law with a firm specializing in complex commercial and employment matters.

Gordon earned a J.D. from the College of William & Mary and a B.A. from Clark University in Worcester, Mass. He has also taught law at an affiliated college of the University of London.

His appointment is expected to be confirmed by vote of the Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee next month.