Jane Savage has been appointed as the next vice president for Human Resources at Stony Brook University, with her term beginning in September 2025. She will report to Jed Shivers, senior vice president for Finance and Administration.
In her new role, Savage will oversee initiatives designed to improve human resources services across the university. Her responsibilities include developing recruitment, onboarding, and engagement practices. She will also be involved in implementing the HR NOW Transformation Effort, a campus-wide initiative focused on enhancing employee experience and updating HR systems and practices. Part of her mandate is to ensure that compensation and benefits programs remain competitive.
Savage is expected to lead efforts to make talent acquisition more efficient by using a business partner service delivery model. This approach aims to help the university recruit and retain skilled employees while adopting a strategic talent acquisition process.
“I am particularly excited about what Jane will bring to Stony Brook,” said Shivers. “Jane’s proven track record in leading complex HR transformations, coupled with her deep commitment to fostering a culture of trust and excellence, makes her an exceptional fit for Stony Brook. Her strategic approach to improving structures and her ability to build strong collaborative relationships across diverse communities will be instrumental as we continue to enhance our HR services for all faculty and staff.”
Before joining Stony Brook, Savage worked at Yale University as associate vice president for human resources, organizational effectiveness, learning and strategic initiatives. There she led projects such as the “Advance HR” program aimed at improving HR service delivery and talent retention. She was also responsible for implementing Workday Learning software and building relationships with unions. Her work included managing labor relations and introducing new labor-management practices.
Earlier in her career, Savage worked as an organization development consultant with Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and Workplace Systems, Inc., advising on union-management cooperation, work redesign, process improvement, and workplace changes for Fortune 500 companies.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to step into the role of vice president for Human Resources,” said Savage. “I look forward to collaborating with the entire campus community to build on the strong foundations already in place as well as the opportunity to help enhance our HR practices and ensure that our services truly support the success and well-being of every faculty and staff member.”
Savage holds a master’s degree in public & private management from Yale University’s School of Management as well as a bachelor’s degree in engineering from The Ohio State University.
