Gates Foundation Names Kurt Fischer as Chief Human Resources Officer | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

SEATTLE -- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced that Kurt Fischer has been named Chief Human Resources Officer. He will also serve as a member of the foundation’s Management Committee.

“Kurt is a seasoned human resources executive with a strong background in global manufacturing and experience in helping lead organizations through times of significant change,” said Martha Choe, the foundation’s Chief Administrative Officer.  “Kurt brings strong and proven leadership to our human resources team at a critical time as we begin implementing an ambitious set of initiatives focused on creating the best working environment for our staff.”

Mr. Fischer is the founder of HRSupportStaff.com, an independent consulting firm providing organizational effectiveness services for small- to mid-size companies. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of HR at Corning, Inc., and held a variety of leadership roles at both Corning and Quest Diagnostics, Inc.

“I am excited and honored to be joining the Gates Foundation,” said Mr. Fischer. “I look forward to applying my experience in human resources to further the mission of the foundation.”