Rich Southers
About Rich Southers
Rich Southers serves as the Associate Director for Strategic Management in Human Resources at the National Institutes of Health, a position he has held since 2006. He studied Personnel and Labor Relations at the University of Maryland College Park and has previous experience as Acting Director of the Office of Human Resources at NIH.
Work at National Institutes of Health
Rich Southers has been serving as the Associate Director for Strategic Management in Human Resources at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 2006. His role involves overseeing various strategic initiatives within the HR department at the NIH's Bethesda, Maryland campus. Prior to this position, he held the role of Deputy Director (Acting Director) in the Office of Human Resources from 2014 to 2016. His extensive experience at NIH spans over 18 years, contributing to the development and implementation of HR strategies that support the organization's mission.
Education and Expertise
Rich Southers studied at the University of Maryland College Park, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Personnel and Labor Relations from 1978 to 1981. He also attended Dickinson College for two years, focusing on Biology before transferring to the University of Maryland. His educational background provides a foundation in both human resources and biological sciences, equipping him with a diverse skill set applicable to his work at NIH.
Background
Rich Southers began his academic journey at Dickinson College, where he studied Biology for two years before transferring to the University of Maryland College Park. At the University of Maryland, he completed his studies in Personnel and Labor Relations, which laid the groundwork for his career in human resources. His professional trajectory has been closely tied to the NIH, where he has held various roles that reflect his commitment to strategic management in HR.
Career Progression
Rich Southers has progressed through various roles at the National Institutes of Health, demonstrating a commitment to human resources management. His tenure as Deputy Director (Acting Director) in the Office of Human Resources from 2014 to 2016 showcased his leadership capabilities. Since 2006, he has been the Associate Director for Strategic Management in HR, where he has played a significant role in shaping HR policies and practices within the organization.