Claudia Paetsch, SPHR, senior director, human resources business partner at Northwestern Mutual, has been named Marquette’s next vice president for human resources, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joel Pogodzinski announced today. Paetsch, who will report to Pogodzinski, will begin in her new role on Monday, April 22.
Paetsch, who has worked at the Milwaukee-based financial services firm since 2001, has been a member of the HR leadership team for the past 10 years, and has held director roles in talent acquisition, health services, employee relations and shared consulting services.
“Claudia brings a depth and breadth of human resources leadership experience to Marquette that is matched only by her enthusiasm for enriching the organizations she serves,” Pogodzinski said. “We’re delighted to have someone of her caliber from a fellow Milwaukee institution known for a strong commitment to its people and the community it serves.”
“I’m excited to join Marquette University at this pivotal time, as we implement the Beyond Boundaries strategic plan,” Paetsch said. “With a focus on Marquette’s Catholic, Jesuit mission, vision and values, I’m looking forward to serving the university and its stakeholders to help deliver on this bold plan for the future.”
In her most recent role at Northwestern Mutual, Paetsch has served as an HR business partner leader, working with C-suite executives and their teams throughout the organization. She is a member of Northwestern Mutual’s employee resource groups and has actively volunteered through the company’s employee volunteer program for the United Way, UPAF, Feeding America, Hunger Task Force and the Ronald McDonald House. She is currently a member of Professional Dimensions Inc.
Prior to joining Northwestern Mutual, Paetsch worked in talent acquisition at Aurora Health Care, and in training and development at Blue Cross and Blue Shield/United Wisconsin Services. She holds certifications as a Senior Certified Professional from the Society for HR Management (SHRM-SCP) and as a Senior Professional HR (SPHR) from the HR Certification Institute.
Paetsch earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. She and her husband Jim reside in Shorewood; they have two sons.
The search committee for Marquette’s vice president for human resources was chaired by Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, acting provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.