The YMCA of Greater Cleveland has recently released a statement stating the hiring of Elizabeth Harwood in the CHRO position. With many years of experience in all aspects of human resources and organizational development, Harwood provides solid skills and practical experience gained from his past positions and successes in all fields of HR management.
Harwood is expected to coordinate various processes of talent acquisition, development, and maintenance within the company as the company’s new human resources director while targeting the goal of supporting the YMCA’s mission to strengthen its communities. She is expected to be an influential leader in formulating policies in HR functions as she supervises the operation of other functions to enhance the welfare of the staff of YMCA.
“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to our leadership team,” said Timothy Hilk, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. “Her comprehensive knowledge of human resources and dedication to fostering positive organizational cultures make her an invaluable addition to our organization. We look forward to her contributions as we continue to support our community and advance our mission.”
Before coming to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, Harwood oversaw Human Resources for several sites with Vibrantz Technologies in the Americas as the Manager of Human Resources. She has many years of professional work in different fields including healthcare, finance, aerospace and so on, on the positions in the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, STERIS Corporation, KeyBank and others.
Before joining Vibrantz Technologies, Harwood worked as a Project Manager, Assistant Director of Design and Construction, and Director of Department Design and Construction at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. During her tenure as the Senior Manager, Human Resources Organizational Effectiveness, she played a key role and helped work on talent management solutions that would create engagement and support equality. She also supervised the team of HR Business Partners, and responsible for labor relations and cooperation with other groups within the HR department, aiming at improving the experience of an employee or a manager.
Along her professional background, Harwood has worked at Windsor Laurelwood Center for Behavioral Health and Child Guidance & Family Solutions where she addressed leadership challenges and helped to increase employees’ satisfaction level and organizational efficiency.
“I am excited to join the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and contribute to its mission of strengthening communities,” said Harwood. “I look forward to working with the talented team and leveraging my experience to create an environment that empowers and supports the organization’s dedicated staff.”
Harwood holds a Master of Science in Business Managerial Communication from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a minor in Communication from Baldwin-Wallace College.
Drawing from her vast experience and success in managing human resources for the betterment of an organization Elizabeth Harwood is well placed to serve as the director of human services for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. She will be especially helpful in both recruiting and maintaining high quality staff, as well as devising and implementing strategies to promote a healthy and productive work environment, all in alignment with the YMCA’s goals for staff and purpose of supporting communities.
