Meredith Gatzke, a human resources expert with extensive experience in higher education and K-12 school districts, has been selected to be Montclair State University’s chief human resources officer, effective July 1. Gatzke’s appointment is the result of a highly competitive national search conducted by Brettschneider Executive Search.

In this role, Gatzke will provide comprehensive support and strategic guidance to Montclair and prioritize collaborative relationship-building with union leaders, union members, faculty, staff, peers and leadership across campus.

 

“I’m thrilled Gatzke will lead the Department of Human Resources and provide support and strategic guidance to both of Montclair’s campuses, prioritizing collaborative relationship-building across the university,” said Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration Benjamin Durant, who will manage the position. 

 

“Her three key priorities will be to foster strong relationships with union leaders and members, work efficiently on academic-related issues with the provost, deans and faculty, and collaborate with vice presidents and their departmental staff.”

 

Having previously served as the chief human resources officer at Manhattan College and as vice president of human resources and organizational development at Bergen Community College, Gatzke brings to the role more than 15 years of experience in human resources. At Bergen Community College she served as a member of the President’s Executive Council, advising executive leadership on human capital, policy development, and employee and labor relations to support achieving institutional goals. Her career in academia followed 13 years in K-12 school districts in northern New Jersey, serving in various human resource leadership roles.

 

As a New Jersey native who has intently followed Montclair’s successful transformation into a leader in higher education, Gatzke closely identifies with the university’s mission of serving underrepresented students.

 

“Since learning about this role at Montclair, I have continued to circle back to when I met President [Jonathan GS] Koppell at a leadership breakfast in 2022. I was engaged and inspired by hearing him discuss his commitment to student success and his intention to pursue articulation agreements with community colleges to support students. I witnessed his dedication that day and remember saying aloud, ‘If I ever had the opportunity to lead at Montclair State University, I would.’”

 

Enthusiastic to partner with Benjamin Durant, Gatzke will spearhead forward-thinking HR practices that foster a robust environment for employee engagement, organizational development, and clear and concise policy communications.

 

Gatzke earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Muhlenberg College and a Master of Science in human resource management from Saint Elizabeth University.