Heather Brenden

About Heather Brenden

Seasoned Human Resources executive with a passion for building courageous leadership, inclusive cultures, and people-first systems—especially in complex, mission-driven environments. With over 20 years of progressive HR experience, I currently serve as Senior Director of Human Resources at Intermountain Health, overseeing four hospitals across Montana and Colorado, including Level I and Level II trauma centers and unionized environments.I specialize in guiding organizations through change—whether it’s cultural integration post-merger, designing centralized HR models, or coaching leaders to own their impact. My leadership approach is rooted in alignment, accountability, and the belief that every employee deserves clarity, dignity, and purpose in their work.As a former recruiter turned strategic advisor, I bring deep operational knowledge paired with executive vision—helping health systems lead with integrity in the face of disruption. Areas of Focus: • Executive & Leadership Coaching • Organizational Change • Culture Integration Post-Merger • Workforce Strategy & Engagement • Strategic Talent Development • Mission-Driven Healthcare

Experience

1. Senior Director Human Resources

   Intermountain Health

   Jan 2023 — Present · Billings, MT, US

   Provide strategic HR leadership across four hospitals in Montana and Colorado, including Level I & Level II trauma centers, critical access hospital. • Lead HR transformation post-merger, guiding leaders through organizational model shifts and cultural integration across legacy systems. • Partner with executive teams to develop people strategies, address labor relations complexity, and build accountability into leadership culture. • Direct and mentor HR Directors in operational strategy, employee engagement, and executive alignment. • Serve as thought partner to system HR VP and local executives in shaping workforce strategy, succession planning, and leadership development.

Education

• Montana State University Billings

  Human Resources

  2007

Skills

• Screening Resumes
• Staffing Services
• Employee Relations
• Human Resources
• Applicant Tracking Systems
• Employee Benefits
• Healthcare
• Background Checks
• Onboarding
• College Recruiting
• Internet Recruiting
• Hiring
• Team Building
• Recruiting
• Fmla
• Temporary Placement
• Technical Recruiting
• Customer Service
• Benefits Negotiation
• Talent Acquisition
• Training
• Leadership
• New Hire Orientations