Vice President of Finance and Administration Geoffrey Swift announced today that Hope Burnell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, vice president of human resources at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, will become assistant vice president for human resources and environmental health & safety at Bates effective May 3, 2021.

Burnell brings more than 20 years of experience to Bates, having served as a human resources leader in a variety of health care and non-profit organizations. With a deep focus on customer service, she has designed and deployed teams centered around the HR business partner model, helping organizations achieve objectives while cultivating award-winning workplace environments. 

“Hope will provide a huge boost to our human resources operation at Bates. She is a proven leader and deeply invested in the power of collaboration. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team,” said Swift.

At the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Burnell led a geographically dispersed team of HR professionals focused on employee relations for the national non-profit. Prior to that role, she served in a variety of positions, including chief human resources officer, at InterMed, P.A., a physician-owned medical group based in Portland, Maine. Burnell has also held leadership roles at the Bowdoin Medical Group and Martin’s Point Health care during their merger transition. 

Burnell received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Southern Maine. Dedicated to learning and development within the human resources profession, she has earned several industry certifications, including ​SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), HRCI Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Gallup Strengths Coach, Korn Ferry Leadership Architect, and Prosci Change Management. 

We are delighted to welcome Hope to the Bates community!