PRESS RELEASES

Bryant Group Places Chief Human Resources Officer at Boise State University

Dallas-based executive search and leadership consulting firm Bryant Group conducted a nationwide search led by the firm’s Vice President, Search Sarah Hempen, resulting in Katie Thomas of Boise, ID securing the role of Chief Human Resources Officer at Boise State University.

Ms. Thomas currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer at Idaho State University, a role she has held since June 2023. She also previously held the position of Interim Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Associate Human Resources Director for Organizational Development at Idaho State University. Her background in organizational development and culture made her the perfect choice as Chief Human Resources Officer for Boise State University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Katie Thomas as Boise State University’s next Chief Human Resources Officer,” said Lauren Griswold, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer and Search Committee Chair. “She brings extensive experience within Idaho higher education and strategic human resources leadership. During the interview process, it was clear to me and our campus stakeholders that caring for people is at the heart of her work. Her commitment to building a thriving culture and strategic mindset is the perfect combination for our university and this critical leadership role. I’d like to thank the Bryant Group, our search committee and our campus community for their engagement and commitment to finding the right candidate throughout the process.”

Ms. Thomas is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, emphasizing her commitment to fostering individual and organizational growth. She holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Washington State University. Known for her expertise in needs analysis, relationship building, and training and development, Ms. Thomas is dedicated to enhancing workplace culture and employee engagement.

In her new position, Ms. Thomas will report directly to the President and play a key role as a member of Boise State University’s executive leadership team. She will be responsible for shaping a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative human resources department, dedicated to recruiting,compensating, retaining, and developing a highly skilled and engaged workforce.

“I’m truly honored to return to Boise State in this role, serving alongside an incredible HR team and passionate campus colleagues. I’ve always valued the university’s vibrant culture and dedication to students and purpose. I’m excited to partner with faculty and staff to amplify our thriving Bronco community’s strengths, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Ms. Thomas.

About Boise State University
Known for its vibrant community and its “blue turf thinking”, Boise State is the largest university in Idaho, providing an innovative, transformative and equitable

educational environment that prepares students for success and advances Idaho and the world. Serving more than 32,000 students annually, Boise State is proud to be powered by creativity and innovation, receiving national recognition as one of the most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News & World Report. Located in Idaho’s capital city, the university has a growing research agenda and plays a crucial role in the region’s knowledge economy and famed quality of life. In the past 10 years, the university has quadrupled the number of doctoral degrees and doubled its master’s degree offerings.

Recognized by Forbes as a top midsize employer, Boise State’s metropolitan campus runs along the banks of the Boise River, just a quick walk from the heart of Idaho’s largest city — one of the most talked-about cities in the country.

Advancing Great Leadership
Bryant Group, based in Dallas, Texas, and with associates located across the United States, specializes in executive search and leadership coaching for higher education, healthcare and nonprofits with an emphasis on advancement leaders and other executives. In 1988, Bryant Group founder, Chris Bryant, started one of the country’s first search firms specializing in philanthropy recruitment. Now under the leadership of CEO Sally Bryant, the woman-owned firm has a long history of recruiting, developing and coaching great leaders. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served nearly 300 organizations across the US and Canada.