USF names new vice president and chief people officer

The University of South Florida has selected Ericka Smith as its new vice president and chief people officer, bringing more than 20 years of executive human resources experience to the role.

Smith will lead Human Resources and help shape how USF attracts, develops and supports its employees as the university continues to advance as a leading public research university and member of the Association of American Universities.

"I am honored to be selected for this role at the University of South Florida where I look forward to joining one of the nation's leading research universities at an exciting moment in its history," Smith said. "As an institution with ambitious strategic goals, I am excited to help USF be an employer of choice where world-class faculty and staff choose to build their careers and Human Resources serves as a trusted partner that supports developing talent, strengthening leadership and enhancing organizational effectiveness."

Smith joins USF from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she has served as vice president and chief people officer since 2019. At UNLV, she positioned Human Resources as a strategic partner to university leadership, academic colleges and administrative divisions while expanding opportunities for employee development, career growth and recognition.

During her tenure at UNLV, Smith launched leadership and professional development programs, including a Management Training Academy and an Administrative Assistant Academy. She also developed a career ladder platform to bring greater consistency and transparency to career paths for staff and administrative employees. In addition, she has led efforts related to employee relations, compliance and policy, and improvements to interview and selection practices.

Smith also brings extensive experience leading organizations through periods of change. At UNLV, she led change management for the implementation of a new HR technology platform, modernized performance review and learning systems, and helped guide employees through changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. She also reimagined the employee onboarding process to create a more consistent and engaging experience for new employees.

"Ericka's experience, background and track record of success make her especially well positioned as our next chief people officer. Her leadership will be critical as we work to make USF a place where top faculty and staff choose to build their careers," said Brian Verkamp, senior vice president and chief administrative officer.

Before joining UNLV, Smith served as vice chancellor for human resources at North Carolina A&T State University and as HR director for the Academic Division at George Washington University. She also has held human resources leadership positions in the private sector.

Smith earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also earned a doctorate in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University.

Smith will begin her role in early December.