Warren to lead human resources at UNO, UNMC

Aileen Warren, assistant vice chancellor and director of the UNMC Office of Human Resources since 2014, also will lead the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Office of Human Resources, effective July 1.

At UNO, Warren will replace Cecil Hicks, Jr., who has been named UNO’s first associate vice chancellor for diversity, equity, access and inclusion (DEAI), also effective July 1.

“Cecil and I have worked closely together on many issues related to human resources throughout our tenures with UNO and UNMC, and UNO faculty, staff and students will continue to see the terrific service they’re accustomed to from the UNO HR office,” said Warren, who will be an associate vice chancellor in her new role. “I look forward to the opportunity to lead the UNO office, and I’m really excited for Cecil’s opportunity to serve the campus in his very important new role.”

Warren, who earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UNO, brings more than 30 years’ experience in employee and community development, previously serving in positions with First National Bank of Omaha, WorldCom and First Data.

As a result of these changes, joint operations of UNO and UNMC’s Office of Human Resources will continue moving forward, which will allow for supplemental, operational efficiencies and cost-savings across the two campuses.

“Aileen Warren is very well suited to assume this responsibility. She has extensive knowledge and experience in all of the key areas of human resources,” Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., said. “From the exceptional respect she has among her colleagues, to her knowledge of the UNO campus, to her ongoing involvement in employee engagement and career development, she will be a remarkable asset to UNO.”

A transition period is currently underway to help refine processes between the two units; however, day-to-day operations and leadership among key areas such as benefits, payroll and employee relations will not change.

In his new role, Hicks will provide campus-wide leadership towards enhancing and sustaining diversity through promoting a culture of inclusiveness, accessibility and equity through the development and coordination of strategic initiatives that contribute to the overall success of faculty, staff and students.

Hicks will also formally take over coordination of UNO’s compliance efforts as it relates to federal programs such as Title IX, VAWA, the Campus SaVE Act and the Cleary Act.

Hicks joined UNO in 2014 as director of human resources following an extensive career in both human resource management and diversity initiatives. This includes serving as director of human resources for Lincoln Financial Group, director of recruiting and diversity for Woodmen of the World and director of human resources for the City of Omaha, as well as leadership roles on Omaha community organizations including Inclusive Communities, the Omaha Public Schools Foundation, the Urban League of Nebraska, Kids Can, United Way of the Midlands and ICAN.

“I am honored to serve in this role and to be part of the transformational change process at UNO,” Hicks said. “Success will be achieved through strong partnerships and collaborations with not only the UNO family but the entire University of Nebraska System and the Omaha community at large.”