We are pleased to announce that Kari Steele and Jessica Wise have been promoted to Co-Executive Directors of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC). Kari and Jessica bring a wealth of knowledge about our organization as well as complimentary skill sets and shared values to lead HERC’s future growth.
As Co-Executive Director/Director of Operations, Kari focuses on operations, including technology and finance. Kari is passionate about growing internal infrastructures, companies, communities, and, most of all, people. She has more than 20 years of experience in strategic technology development, financial planning, and board governance. Kari previously served as Technology & Finance Director, overseeing technology tools, including HERC’s job board and HERConnect, HERC’s online member portal, and the Central HERC office’s finances.
Jessica is Co-Executive Director/Director of Programs, concentrating on programs and strategic planning. She is a learning and development expert specializing in communication; professional development; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). With over 20 years of experience, she is committed to building robust programs that have a lasting impact on individuals, teams, and organizations. In her previous role as Training & Development Director, she worked with colleges and universities to diversify their workforces and foster inclusive workplaces where people from all backgrounds can thrive.
Read below to get to know Kari and Jessica!
Kari Steele, Co-Executive Director/Director of Operations
Why is HERC’s mission important to you?
HERC’s mission touches on one of my passions for supporting, educating, and advocating justice for underserved communities. I believe building diversity, equity, and inclusion in the higher education workforce can directly help these communities. I started working for nonprofits early in my career. Right out of college, I was proud to work for a community development credit union that supported community members by providing financial opportunities not available to them at the big box banks. I believe the trickle effect of providing equitable access to good mid- to executive-level career opportunities in higher education will offer financial independence and achieve diverse staff and faculty, impacting students and creating a more inclusive society. Higher education institutions are the perfect place to represent this model for all industries.
What excites you the most about being a Co-Executive Director of HERC?
I look forward to working with our changemakers to advance our mission and strengthen operations for sustainable organizational growth. Being with HERC for almost eight years, I have moved the organization forward with technology advancements and I am excited to co-lead the organization in increasing HERC’s reach with job seekers, prospective and current member institutions, and partners.
How do you want to contribute to HERC’s mission?
I believe my experience in developing and growing efficient infrastructures and communities will support our mission and encourage growth. HERC can be an influential thought leader and advocate for building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces in higher education. Collaborating with our member institutions, hosting national conferences, and showcasing our efforts can contribute to change across the nation and possibly worldwide.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the HERC community?
I love giving back and it’s important to me to instill in my children that serving our community is part of our duty as citizens. I always tell them, start with your local community and you can make a difference where you live. Providing financial education to the homeless, coaching my kids’ sports teams, cleaning our streets and beaches…these are just a few community activities that have brought joy in my life.