Talent Citizen congratulates Sheronda Whitaker on her appointment as the inaugural Chief Engagement and Culture Officer joining University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) on September 23. As the Chief Engagement and Culture Officer, Sheronda will be instrumental in developing and implementing a dynamic people and culture strategy that supports all DAR employees.
Sheronda will lead a team of professionals encompassing talent acquisition and retention, learning and development, employee engagement, and HR operations to champion an engagement and communications people framework focused on transparency, celebration, and collaboration. Sheronda and team will collaborate closely with Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations, Jim Husson and Penn DAR’s Senior Management Group on initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement and strengthening DAR’s collective sense of community, while deepening employee connection to the essential work of DAR.
Sheronda brings specialized expertise in aligning human resource initiatives with organizational strategy, change management, talent management, and diversity, equity, and inclusion across a range of corporate and nonprofit settings. Most recently, Sheronda served as the Deputy Director for Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer at The Barnes Foundation. Since 2018, she has progressively advanced through roles supporting 200 staff and 500 volunteers, leading efforts in culture, human resources, and organizational strategy. Previously, during her eight-year career at the YMCA of Delaware as Vice President of Human Resources, Sheronda supported nine branches across Delaware. After conducting a comprehensive cultural assessment across the organization and in partnership with senior leadership, Sheronda paved the way to enhancing diversity efforts, improving transparency and championing a trust-based culture. Her career is marked by a steadfast commitment to driving positive organizational change and fostering inclusive cultures within diverse and complex environments.
Sheronda holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Development from Villanova University complemented by extensive professional certifications and volunteer experience in HR development and community leadership, and has been recognized for her contributions, including a nomination for Delaware Valley HR Person of the Year in 2020 and receiving the John Wanamaker Administrative Award in 2008.
Talent Citizen President Tracy Welsh led this search with Senior Associate Eva Kotilinek and Associate José Cisneros.