Rebekah Hardeson
About Rebekah Hardeson
Rebekah Hardeson serves as the Head of Talent Management Operations at The New York Times, where she has worked since 2016. She has a diverse background in operations and management, having held various roles in organizations such as PanAgora Asset Management and Huntington Theatre Company.
Current Role at The New York Times
Rebekah Hardeson serves as the Head of Talent Management Operations at The New York Times since 2016. In this role, she manages the Talent Management function’s budget and contracts, ensuring timely reviews and approvals. Hardeson documents team procedures and methods of work to establish a strong operational foundation for the growing Talent Management function. She also owns the ideation and execution of internal Talent Management team events, including off-sites, team meetings, speakers, and development programming.
Previous Experience in Talent Management
Prior to her current position, Hardeson worked at Don't Panic Management, LLC as Operations Manager from 2014 to 2016. In this role, she contributed to operational efficiencies and team management. She also transitioned onboarding responsibilities to a new team of two at The New York Times as part of developing a fully formed Talent Management team. Her experience in various operational roles has equipped her with skills in strategic planning and organizational alignment.
Educational Background
Rebekah Hardeson studied at Boston University - Metropolitan College, where she earned a Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration from 2011 to 2012. She also holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Theatre Management from the University of Evansville, which she completed from 2004 to 2008. Her educational background has provided her with a solid foundation in management and administration within the arts sector.
Career Progression
Hardeson's career began in customer service as a Barista at Starbucks from 2007 to 2009. She then transitioned to the Huntington Theatre Company as Box Office Manager from 2008 to 2010, followed by a role as Administrative Coordinator at Boston University from 2010 to 2014. These positions contributed to her development in operational management and customer relations, leading to her eventual focus on talent management.
Strategic Contributions
In her current role, Hardeson acts as a strategic thought partner and proxy for the Senior Vice President of Talent Management. She addresses organizational issues and drives alignment for executive projects. Additionally, she partners with the HR PMO to ensure alignment with departmental priorities and key initiatives, proactively identifying improvements to existing processes and communications.