Sandy Ellis

About Sandy Ellis

With over 15 years of experience as a Human Resources Senior Manager and Director specializing in Talent Management, Organizational Development, and Leadership Development, I have a proven track record of delivering innovative learning, culture, and talent initiatives that drive business growth, enhance organizational effectiveness, and increase employee engagement. My expertise in Succession Planning and Change Management enables me to design and implement impactful, data-driven solutions that align people strategies with business goals.My mission is to help individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their full potential by aligning decisions, actions, and processes with their goals, purpose, and vision. I believe in the power of collaboration, reflection, and feedback to create environments where people can thrive. I’m constantly learning from every person and situation to make meaningful, positive contributions to individuals, organizations, and communities.

Experience

1. Human Resources Director

   Scholar Hotels

   May 2025 — Present · State College, PA, US

   Lead HR strategy and operations for The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center, part of the Scholar Hotels portfolio, with a focus on building a strong culture, enhancing talent engagement, and establishing consistent HR practices across properties.Key Responsibilities:Serve as a strategic HR partner to hotel leadership, aligning people practices with operational goalsOversee all core HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, performance management, and trainingCollaborate with HR leaders across the Scholar Hotels portfolio to create and implement consistent HR policies and processesLead the development and promotion of Scholar Hotels’ employer brand and employee value propositionChampion leadership development and career pathing for both frontline and management-level team membersDesign and drive initiatives to improve employee engagement, retention, and service consistency

Education

• Penn State University

  BS, Business Logistics

  1984 — 1988

• American University

  MSOD, Organization Development

• Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business

  MBA, Business, Management

  1989 — 1991