Chief Human Resources Officer to Step Down | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

SEATTLE — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced today that Franci Phelan will step down from her position at the foundation after serving for more than two years as Chief Human Resources Officer.  Ms. Phelan has resigned to move closer to her family in Iowa. Her last day at the foundation will be March 15, 2011.

“Franci has done a terrific job for us during a period of significant growth in our staff, helping to attract and retain great talent in the organization,” said Jeff Raikes, CEO of the Gates Foundation. “She has helped us makes sure the foundation has a skilled team in place, committed to our mission, and empowered to do their best work. We will miss her.”

During her tenure, Ms. Phelan led the development of a new strategic plan to help the foundation manage its significant recent growth, and led initiatives to better define the foundation’s programmatic work and resource planning.

James Shillaber, director of talent and organizational development, will manage the day-to-day operations of the human resources team on an interim basis, with oversight from Richard Henriques, foundation Chief Financial Officer. The foundation will undertake a search for a new chief human resources officer immediately.