Rachel Muñoz, vice president for strategic operations and implementation and special counsel to the executive vice president, has been named interim leader of Dartmouth’s Human Resources division, effective Feb. 20.
The appointment follows Chief Human Resources Officer Sara Lester’s decision to step down from her role after helping lead employees through a period of significant organizational transition since she started at Dartmouth in 2023.
“Sara has been dedicated to Dartmouth and to supporting our community of employees,” says Josh Keniston, senior vice president for operations and strategic initiatives. “We are grateful for all she has accomplished.”
Muñoz, known to the Dartmouth community through her creation and leadership of the Office of Labor Relations, will oversee the day-to-day operations of HR while a long-term leadership structure is developed.
“Higher education is fundamentally about people—our most important resource and essential asset,” says Jomysha Delgado Stephen, executive vice president, chief operating officer, and secretary to the Board of Trustees. “Supporting our employees and helping them to perform at the highest level is critical to Dartmouth’s mission.”
“I am confident that Rachel, as a strong leader and skilled team builder, will bring excellent leadership to HR as we seek great candidates to manage the day-to-day work moving forward.”
During the interim period, Muñoz says she will consult HR staff, outside experts, and employees across campus to harness and continue to implement best practices for Dartmouth’s long-term organizational health and sustainability.
“I look forward to working with the talented HR team to strengthen our support for employees,” Muñoz says. “Our goal is to ensure we’re providing the highest level of service across Dartmouth.”
A search for a new, full-time HR leader is expected to begin later this year. Following that appointment, Muñoz will continue to oversee HR as part of her broader portfolio while returning focus to her other responsibilities as vice president.