Jane Chadwick named human resources division director for College of Natural Resources and Environment

Jane Chadwick has been named human resources division director for Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment (CNRE).

Chadwick brings more than 15 years of human resources leadership experience across higher education, healthcare, and professional services. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations strengthen workplace culture, develop leaders, improve employee engagement, and align people strategies with organizational goals.

As human resources division director, Chadwick will serve as the college's senior human resources leader, working closely with the dean while partnering with the Division of Human Resources to align college initiatives with university strategy and best practices. She will lead the college's people strategy, workforce planning, and organizational development efforts in partnership with college and university leadership.

“Jane understands that people are our greatest strength,” said Dean Saskia van de Gevel. “She has already been meeting with faculty and staff from across the college, taking the time to listen, learn, and build relationships, and she is doing a wonderful job. Jane brings a collaborative approach to leadership, deep expertise in organizational development, and a strong commitment to supporting our people. I’m excited to have her on our team as we continue advancing the college’s teaching, research, and outreach mission together.”

Most recently, Chadwick served as director of human resources for Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, where she led human resources strategy for more than 800 employees and more than 100 physicians and advanced practice providers across 14 clinics. Working closely with executive leadership, she implemented succession planning, improved workforce analytics, strengthened leadership communication, and led employee engagement initiatives that increased overall engagement and manager satisfaction.

Previously, Chadwick served as director of human resources and learning and development for Sherman & Howard LLP, where she partnered with executive leadership to develop the firm's purpose, vision, and values; launched professional development programs; and established employee engagement and leadership initiatives. She also held senior human resources leadership positions with Banner Health and UCHealth, supporting large, multi-state healthcare organizations through organizational growth and change.

“Virginia Tech’s strong reputation and the quality of work happening in CNRE really drew me in,” Chadwick said. “I appreciate the college’s focus on meaningful impact and look forward to supporting the people behind that work. I’ve also really been energized by the sense of community on campus. It’s a place where people are clearly invested in what they do and in each other. Higher education has always been an important part of my life, and something I believe deserves to be valued and supported. I’m excited to be part of an environment that reflects those values and to contribute in a way that helps faculty and staff thrive.”

Throughout her career, Chadwick has focused on helping organizations create workplaces where employees feel supported, engaged, and empowered to succeed. Her expertise includes leadership development, workforce planning, organizational development, employee relations, change management, and process improvement.

“I see leadership as something practiced daily through influence, not just position,” Chadwick said. “I’ll strive to support CNRE faculty and staff as a responsive thought partner, offering practical insight when and where it’s most needed”.

Chadwick earned a master's degree in adult learning, training and development from Regis University and a bachelor's degree in speech communication from Ithaca College. She is a senior professional in human resources and holds certifications in diversity and inclusion in human resources management, leadership development, and Lean process improvement.