Stony Brook University has announced the appointment of Jane Savage as its new vice president for Human Resources, effective September 2025. Savage will report directly to Jed Shivers, senior vice president for Finance and Administration.
In her new role, Savage will be responsible for advancing human resources services across the university. Her responsibilities include developing recruitment, onboarding, and engagement practices. She will also play a key role in implementing the HR NOW Transformation Effort, an initiative designed to improve employee experience through enhanced HR systems and practices. Additionally, she is tasked with ensuring that Stony Brook’s compensation and benefits program remains competitive.
Savage will work on making talent acquisition operations more efficient by using a business partner service delivery model to recruit and retain staff. She aims to fully implement a strategic approach to talent acquisition that strengthens the university’s recruiting efforts.
“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 University, Savage was associate vice president for human resources at Yale University. There she led initiatives such as the “Advance HR” program focused on improving service delivery within HR, attracting and retaining talent, and streamlining departmental processes. She also managed the implementation of Workday Learning software and worked closely with unions on labor relations matters.
Her previous experience includes consulting on union-management cooperation projects at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations as well as advising Fortune 500 manufacturing leaders at Workplace Systems, Inc., where she supported workplace improvements like process redesign.
“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 along with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from The Ohio State University.
