Sandee Cheynet promoted to associate vice president of Human Resources
Sandee Cheynet has been promoted to the role of associate vice president for Human Resources. She has served as assistant vice president of talent for Human Resources since June 2021.
Cheynet leads the HR Talent Team, which includes communications, compensation, employee relations, Hokie Wellness for employees, onboarding including conviction checks, talent acquisition and recruiting, and talent development. Her new role also includes leadership of HR’s policy and compliance and systems and analytics functions, and serves as the deputy to Vice President for Human Resources Bryan Garey, representing him in universitywide strategic initiatives.
“As head of the Talent Team, Sandee has demonstrated a remarkable ability to support and enhance the entire employee life cycle,” said Garey. “Her impressive track record of work, experience in HR leadership, and her commitment to Virginia Tech – as both a leader and alum – have had a positive impact on our workforce, and will continue to do so for many years to come.”
During her tenure, Cheynet has launched the PageUp performance management system; reconfigured the talent development team; expanded the employee-focused Hokie Wellness team, adding an associate director; launched the TimelyCare and Care.com mental health and backup care services; relaunched the onboarding program, adding the peer-to-peer program and speed meeting events; presented the inaugural Professional Development Community of Practice professional development conference; and added compensation resources and provided strategic oversight on the A/P faculty job architecture project, which is currently being implemented.
Cheynet first joined Virginia Tech in 2018, holding several key positions. From December 2018 to October 2019, she served as division director to the Office of the Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer. In addition, she served as the interim executive director for the Office of the President from July to October 2019. Cheynet has also held HR leadership roles in the medical, accounting and consulting, and transportation industries.
She received both a bachelor’s and master’s in business management from Virginia Tech. She is a certified fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications.
