Sandee Cheynet has been appointed Rice University’s associate vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer (CHRO). Cheynet will take the helm March 24 following Cynthia Pepper, who served in an interim role.
“Sandee brings with her an impressive 20-year career in human resources, including leadership roles in higher education,” said Kelly Fox, executive vice president for operations, finance and support. “She brings a strong background as a partner to leaders in higher education. Sandee has cultivated an inclusive environment and championed initiatives in data analytics. Her expertise and vision align closely with the important work already underway within our human resources team to drive innovation, operational excellence and inclusivity.”
In her position, Cheynet will develop and execute human resource strategy in support of the university’s overall strategic plan and direction of the organization; collaborate with academic leadership and staff to fulfill the human resource needs of the organization; streamline human resources processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness; and play a key role in the strategic planning process and deploy a high level of influence on the university’s governance.
Cheynet most recently served as associate vice president of human resources and deputy CHRO at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where she provided strategic leadership and oversight across the university’s centers of excellence; led the expansion of key human resources functions including compensation, employee health and wellness and talent acquisition and development; and reorganized and expanded human resources’ technology and applications function. Through these expanded capabilities, Cheynet’s team accomplished significant projects and implemented a comprehensive job framework; a structured performance management system and philosophy; new employee mental health resources; and executive recruitment services for the university. These initiatives resulted in streamlined human resources processes, a more robust talent pipeline and enhanced support for employee well-being.
Further, she holds executive experience in multiple industries including consulting, corporate accounting, health and medical and transportation.
A search committee of faculty, staff and members of the Rice Board of Trustees selected Cheynet after a nationwide search was launched by Russell Reynolds Associates, one of the country’s premier executive search and leadership advisory firms. The search committee was chaired by Mauricio Benitez, associate provost and senior adviser.
Cheynet earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a Master of Business Administration at Virginia Tech. She is a certified senior professional in human resources and completed the human resources executive education program at the University of Virginia.