Syracuse University Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Neil Strodel has announced his retirement. He will step down from his duties on June 30, 2010 after completing 14 years of service with the University.
As chief HR officer, Strodel has responsibility for the HR function, including 30-plus persons reporting to him and providing human resources leadership and support services for the University’s roughly 8,600 employees.
Among Strodel’s accomplishments are leading seven successful labor negotiations with four different unions representing University employees; introduction of the Workforce Partnership Council, which has led to a collaborative relationship with the largest union, Local 200United, Service Employees’ International Union (SEIU); spearheading the Diversity Network—a group of 40 local agencies—resulting in stronger minority recruitment; installation of a centralized service center resulting in enhanced services to the campus community; and the hiring and mentoring of the University HR team.
Under his leadership, Syracuse University has been recognized regionally and nationally as an employer of choice. Strodel has served on the Colleges and Universities Professional Association-Human Resources (CUPA-HR) Eastern Region board as chair; co-authored articles in the CUPA-HR Journal; and was featured in a cover story on health care in Human Resources Executive magazine. He frequently presents and speaks to audiences about thought leadership in the areas of institutional culture, change management and other strategic aspects of his profession, and recently returned to the classroom as an adjunct professor at the Whitman School, where he received his M.B.A.
“I have been honored to serve in this role and am proud of the accomplishments of the HR team, who have served so admirably over the last 14 years. It is time for change. I look forward to a new set of challenges and opportunities,” remarked Strodel.
“One of the things we will miss when Neil leaves is the thoughtful advice and mentoring he provided to many members of the SU leadership team when they sought out his counsel,” said SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Eric F. Spina.
SU Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Louis G. Marcoccia added, “Neil has led the HR function ably. Neil and I have worked together for many years, and his leadership and communication skills have paved the way for many successes. I join the other senior leaders in the University in wishing him well as he makes this transition.”
The University will announce a transition plan for the leadership of the HR function in the near future.
