Heather Christophersen was named vice president of Human Resources in July 2022. In this role, she is responsible for the comprehensive support and development of all Notre Dame employees, directing the work of benefits and compensation, people services, strategic consulting, talent acquisition, learning and development, staff diversity and inclusion, analytics, and institutional equity teams.
Heather graduated from Notre Dame in 1998 with a BS in chemical engineering and later earned her MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Heather also earned a certificate for the Chief Human Resources Officer program at the Wharton School in 2023. Prior to returning to work at Notre Dame, Heather worked in the chemicals industry for 12 years, both for BP Chemicals and Elevance Renewable Sciences. She served in a variety of progressive roles in manufacturing, logistics, asset management and business operations.
Prior to her appointment to vice president of HR, Heather served as the associate vice president of Advancement Services in Notre Dame’s Development Office. In this role she led the operational units of Development, including the Internal Engagement, Organizational Strategy (finance and talent management), Information Technology and Services, Research and Prospect Strategy, Gift Management, and Stewardship teams.
Previously, Heather served as the director of maintenance within the Facilities Design and Operations Division, where she oversaw the maintenance operations of 190 campus buildings, comprising over eleven million gross square feet and a replacement value of $4.8 billion. She held responsibility for the daily repair and maintenance operations as well as the renewal and reinvestment planning activities for campus facilities.
Heather previously held several roles at Notre Dame including director of sustainability and director of strategic planning, where she led efforts to create and implement strategic plans across the university, including the university’s first carbon reduction plan.
Heather serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County and she and her husband, Chad (ND ’95), and their two children, Quinn and Avery, are active members of the South Bend and Michiana community.