VP of human resources resigns

by Jeremy Hunt

Daily Lobo

The vice president of human resources, Susan Carkeek, is leaving UNM after 10 years to take a job at the University of Virginia.

She said being the director of human resources at the University of Virginia will enhance her career, because the university has a good reputation and is highly ranked.

"There aren't many places that would lure me away," Carkeek said.

President David Harris appointed Carolyn Thompson, a strategy analyst, to be the interim vice president until a replacement for Carkeek is found in the next year.

Thompson has been an independent strategy consultant since 2000, working with organizations such as the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Human Services Department. Before that, she worked with Presbyterian Healthcare Services as the director of Organizational Learning.

The vice president of human resources formulates policy and oversees all the department's operations, including employee recruitment, benefits, compensation, classification, employee and labor relations, career services and the Dispute Resolution Department, a moderation service for UNM employees, Carkeek said.

Carkeek said the human resources department will continue with business as usual when she's gone, because the staff is very capable.

"They do the work - I get the credit," she said. "It's in very good hands."

Thompson said the human resources staff works well

together.

"Susan Carkeek has built an incredible team over the last 10 years," Thompson said.

John Ortiz, a project director, said Carkeek will be missed, but Thompson will step up to the plate and get the job done.

"I think she'll come in and rise to the challenge," he said.

Thompson said she was hired in July 2005 by Harris to lead an initiative which aimed to integrate the operations of administrative offices and departments.

"What I tend to bring to the mix is to help people to think differently together," she said.

Thompson has worked on projects with the human resources department to get the staff to work more efficiently, she said.

Rufina Gomez, senior human resources consultant, said

Carkeek has been a good boss.

"She's had a really positive impact, as far as I'm concerned," she said. "I think it's a big loss for UNM."

Carkeek said she's made a difference at the University.

"I'd like to think we've improved the HR department," she said. "I guess I'll leave others to judge that."

Thompson said she could never replace Carkeek.

"Of course something will be lost without Susan at the University," she said. "But I hope to bring something new."

Thompson said she will add a new perspective to the department and look to see how it can serve UNM better.

"I think every person comes in with his or her own style and way of looking at the world," she said.

Carkeek said the department is preparing for her departure on Oct. 27.

"We're making plans for a smooth transition," she said.

Thompson said her first job is to listen and observe.

"I know what I don't know and will ask questions," she said.