Meet the HR Leadership Team
HR Leadership
Sheri Neshiem, MS, PHR, SHRM-CP is the Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she leads an integrated people strategy that advances workforce effectiveness, employee experience, and organizational capability in support of the university’s academic, research, and public service mission.
With more than 35 years of progressive human resources leadership experience, Sheri has served in senior roles across higher education, government, finance, and healthcare. Her career has centered on building high-performing HR organizations, advancing workforce and talent strategies, strengthening labor and employee relations, and improving operational effectiveness in complex, mission-driven environments.
Sheri brings a practical, enterprise perspective to organizational transformation, with a strong focus on aligning people strategy with institutional priorities, enhancing service delivery, and building sustainable HR operating models that support both employees and leadership.
In addition to her civilian leadership career, Sheri is a U.S. Air Force veteran and currently serves as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In her military service, she contributes to shaping human resources strategy in support of the U.S. Navy workforce, bringing a disciplined, mission-focused leadership approach to both her military and civilian roles.
She is recognized for her ability to lead through complexity, strengthen organizational alignment, and build HR functions that are both strategically grounded and operationally effective.
Kevin Kerwood, Associate Vice Chancellor and Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer
Provides strategic leadership for compensation, talent acquisition, labor relations, and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen workforce effectiveness and operational excellence across the university.
Susan Weldon, Senior Director for HR Embedded Services
Provides strategic leadership for the employee experience function, including human resources business partnerships, employee accommodations and absence support, and employee engagement initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and workplace culture.
Tim Cendrowski, Senior Director, HR Operations and Systems
Oversees human resources operations and service delivery, including payroll, benefits, HR systems, and the employee service center, ensuring accurate, efficient, and responsive support across the university.
Michelle Goad, Sr. Director, Employee Engagement
Provides leadership for the university’s employee engagement strategy by advancing programs that strengthen workplace culture, employee connection, recognition, communication, & engagement. Partners with campus leaders to enhance employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and an inclusive work environment aligned with the university values.
Bibi Bachu, HR Strategy and Transformation Lead
Drives HR changes that align with UMass goals—partnering with teams to lead HRIS efforts, streamline services, and improve the employee experience.