'Berg welcomes new Chief HR Officer

After a nationwide search, Heidelberg University has named Leslie Erwin its new Chief Human Resources Officer, a presidential cabinet-level leadership position. She begins on August 9.

Leslie comes to Heidelberg from Mercy College of Ohio in Toledo, where she had worked in multiple roles since beginning there in October 2009. She has been serving as the director of Compliance and Risk Management as well as the Title IX coordinator. Additionally, at Mercy, she had served as director of Career and Professional Development, interim vice president of Student Affairs and program developer for the Division of Innovation and Transitional Education.

The position at Heidelberg combines Leslie’s two passions: human resources and higher education. “I am really looking forward to getting to know the people at Heidelberg and becoming immersed in the culture and campus, including attending campus events and activities,” she said. 

As a member of President Rob Huntington’s Senior Leadership Team, Leslie said she will take some time to familiarize herself “with all things Heidelberg,” including the goals and plans of the Human Resources team, the Senior Leadership Team, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee which she will co-lead, and the campus community.

“I am excited to learn more and get started, bringing my personal touch to the efforts already underway as well as those that need to be established,” Leslie said. “I like to roll up my sleeves and get to work, and I am really looking forward to doing just that in August.”

Rob said Leslie quickly rose to the top of the candidate pool during the search process. “From the moment Leslie submitted her application, she impressed all of us on the search committee,” he said. “We found her HR professional background compelling because she has worked extensively in higher education and private sector business.

“Leslie impressed us with her strong interest in Heidelberg, functional and industry knowledge, clear commitment to excellent results, teamwork mindset, energetic interpersonal savvy and very engaging positive attitude. We look forward to welcoming her to the Heidelberg family.”

When she joins the Heidelberg and Tiffin communities, Leslie will bring a familiarity of the campus and the area with her.

“I have extended family in the area, so I know the university has a great reputation,” she said. She attended a leadership conference on campus as a high school student. “I find the campus is warm, inviting and beautiful. More importantly, the people I met during the interview process who make Heidelberg what it truly is, were exceptional. I am excited to become a part of this community.”

Prior to Mercy College of Ohio, Leslie worked in human resources and production at Chrysler and Daimler/Chrysler for over 10 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Ohio State University, her master’s degree in organizational management and is currently in the process of earning her Ed.D. degree in higher education leadership from Northcentral University in La Jolla, California. Additionally, she received a graduate certificate in Higher Education Compliance from the University of Toledo.