Monica K. Brown

About Monica K. Brown

I am a recognized and highly regarded people, culture and nonprofit leader and community volunteer with expertise in all areas of the field. After 17 years with the Cleveland Foundation, I am thrilled to serve as the first Chief People Officer for the Arizona Community Foundation.For the duration of my HR career, I have served as a valued member of leadership teams, responsible for the ongoing development of talent and culture strategies that align with an organization\'s mission, values and strategic objectives to ensure the ongoing ability to attract, include, engage and retain the most diverse and talented employees. In addition, I have had responsibility for administrative services that include building and guest services, facilities, safety and security, procurement and business continuity. My academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from Kent State University and a Master’s degree in Labor Relations and Human Resources Management from Cleveland State University and I am certified as a senior human resources professional by the HR Certification Institute. I have been humbled to be recognized for my contributions to the field with the distinction of Business Leader in both the 2012 and 2016 HR Awards, sponsored and presented by the Employers Resource Council (ERC) and the Cleveland Chapter of SHRM; the Crain’s Cleveland Business Archer Awards as an honoree in 2017 and, in 2020, the Overall Excellence Award recipient (nonprofit/government category) for the Crain’s Cleveland Business Excellence in HR program.Giving back to the nonprofit sector and the community where I live and work is very important to me! In 2013, I founded the Collaboration for Nonprofit HR Professionals. This important initiative, supported by the Cleveland Foundation, Thompson Hine, LLC, and Oswald Companies, provides educational and networking opportunities for nonprofit HR professionals that focus on building the capacity of the human resources function across Northeast Ohio nonprofits. l am currently the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Cuyahoga County Public Library Foundation, and also chair the grantmaking committee. Prior volunteer roles include membership on the board of Beck Center for the Arts; serving as an advisory member for Cleveland State University\'s Diversity Council; and as a member of the University of Chicago\'s Equity & Access Employer Council.

Experience

1. Chief People Officer

   Arizona Community Foundation

   Jan 2024 — Present · Phoenix, AZ, US

Education

• Cleveland State University

  Master of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Human Resources

  1997 — 1998

• Kent State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Fashion Merchandising

  1986 — 1990