Chris Lehman joined the University of Vermont in August 2023 as Chief Human Resources Officer. He brings 25 years of HR leadership experience to UVM with a focus on strategic operational transformation that supports organizational mission and goals.

As CHRO, Chris will oversee HR strategic initiatives related to UVM’s Benefits, Classification & Compensation, Equal Opportunity, Labor & Employee Relations, and Talent Development units.

Prior to his appointment at UVM, Chris was the CHRO at OTC Industrial Technology, a $1 billion engineered equipment distribution and service company headquartered in Ohio. At OTC, Chris successfully designed and implemented a people-focused strategy inclusive of talent and leadership development, improved total rewards, and helped transform the company’s culture to one focused on increased customer and shareholder value. His commitment to building and supporting engaged workforce teams is evident throughout his HR leadership career including roles at various diversified international international manufacturing and distribution firms. Chris holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and a B.S. from Manchester College.

Jay joined UVM in October 2022 as a Business Analyst in the Administrative Business Service Center. Jay partners with several administrative departments across campus including HR. Prior to joining UVM, Jay spent over a decade at The King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich VT, holding various roles in financial planning & analysis and accounting. He grew up in the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire, and graduated from Champlain College in 2007 with a B.A. in Business Administration.  Jay is an avid golfer and lover of dogs. HR is pleased to have Jay as a contributing partner on the HR leadership team.

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Kari holds 17 years of higher education administration experience ranging from Vermont Student Assistance Corps to a Colorado community college prior to joining UVM in 2013. Throughout her decade here, she has worked in various roles including within the LCOM Office of Medical Education (Student Financial Services) and the Administrative Business Service Center (ABSC), the latter of which sparked her interest in joining central HR. Kari now leads the Classification & Compensation group. She is a 2006 alum of UVM having earned a Bachelor’s degree.

Caroline Côté joined the UVM Human Resources team in September 2023 as HR Technology and Business Process Analyst, transitioning into the role of Manager, HR Technology and Data. She brings over 20 years of experience in various human resources and information technology roles in the banking sector. Caroline holds a B.A. specializing in Human Resources from HEC Montreal and has been a Certified Corporate Coach (CCC™) since May 2022.

Sarah joined the University of Vermont in May 2023 as an HR Strategic Project Manager, and transitioned into the newly established leadership role within HR as the Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence Leader in October 2023. Prior to her work at UVM, she worked in talent acquisition, project management, operations, and digital marketing. Sarah holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Vermont and an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from the University of Arizona. As a UVM alum, former UVM RA, and Vermont native, Sarah is thrilled to return to the university in a professional capacity.

Lindsey Melo joined the UVM Human Resources team in November 2023 as Strategic Initiatives Leader. In her role, she is responsible for managing and leading a variety of critical strategic initiatives and projects. She brings over 20 years of experience in all facets of Human Resources in a variety of industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education. She approaches her work from a place of collaboration, empowerment, and positive employee relations. Lindsey holds a B.A. from St. Anselm College and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources.

Caitlyn Sisler joined the UVM Human Resources benefits team in 2017. In 2022, she was appointed Director of Benefits. Caitlyn has over 10 years of experience in Benefits and has earned credentials as a Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) through WorldatWork and a Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation through the Society of Human Resource Management. Prior to UVM, Caitlyn worked for the Diocese of Burlington where she developed a passion for health and welfare benefits programs. Caitlyn earned her B.A. in English from Saint Anselm College with a concentration in Communications.  

Nicholas Stanton became the Director for the Office of Equal Opportunity in the summer of 2017.  Before his appointment as director, he served as the Title IX Coordinator.  Prior to his work at UVM, Nick practiced law in a variety of settings, focusing on civil rights, employment, and municipal law. Nick and his colleagues in EO help the University to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff have a learning and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Nick has a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Johnson State College and his J.D. from Vermont Law School.