Kathy Neils is UNH's new Chief Human Resources Officer as of September 17, 2012.

  “This lengthy search has culminated in finding the person we sought - an exceptional leader who can continue to improve our human resources organization to meet the demands of being an employer of choice now and in the future, while creatively supporting the UNH strategic plan,” said Dick Cannon, vice president of finance and administration.

Neils has more than 20 years experience as a human resource professional, working for General Electric and Timberland.

She began at GE as a benefits specialist and moved on to become a training and development specialist, and then to HR generalist positions before finally becoming the HR manager at the General Electric Aircraft Engines plant in Hooksett.

At Timberland, Neils had assignments in staffing, employee and organizational development, talent management and most recently, she held the position of senior director of human resources, leading a global HR team of 23, responsible for more than 50 percent of the Timberland workforce. 

“Kathy’s diverse set of skills and experience are a welcome addition and will be fully tapped in her new role,” Cannon said.

Neils replaces Sari Bennett who has served as interim assistant vice president for HR since September 2011.