Drake is pleased to welcome Maureen De Armond as its new executive director of Human Resources. Maureen will begin her position June 28.

Maureen comes to Drake after serving as the associate vice president for Human Resources at Oregon Tech, where she oversaw all aspects of human resources operations, while also serving as the University’s Title IX Coordinator. She was responsible for the development of a process improvement plan aimed at modernizing and improving human resources processes and service. She also played a key role in the development of a new chief diversity role and served on the University’s COVID-19 response team. In 2019–2020, she was awarded the Student Affairs Most Valued Partner award.

“Maureen brings tremendous experience in facing today’s higher education challenges, as well as a deep understanding of the human resources function,” said Venessa Macro, chief administration officer. “She understands the link between strategic forward-thinking human resource departments and successful organizations.”

Prior to her role at Oregon Tech, Maureen served as assistant vice president for human resources at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Her duties included providing training, support, and guidance for academic and operational leaders and campus partners, while also serving as the chief diversity liaison and deputy Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator.

Maureen’s career experience also includes time at Iowa State University where she worked as associate university counsel and served as an advisee to human resources, the senior vice president and provost, and the office of equal opportunity. Maureen earned a Juris Doctor from University of Iowa, College of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Iowa in secondary education, history, and German.

 “It is an honor to join Drake,” said Maureen. “I am happy to return to my home state of Iowa, move to a city I know and care about, and join an institution I have long respected. I am looking forward to leading the HR team as we work together to support the institution, its mission, and its employees.”

The search committee for the position included Alejandro Hernandez, dean of the College of Business and Public Administration; Michelle Huggins, design and planning manager; a representative from All Staff Council; Shannon Sanders, special assistant to athletic director; Cris Wildermuth, associate professor of education.

— Venessa Macro, Chief Administration Officer