Bryant Group Recruits CHRO for Boise State University
July 9, 2025 – Following a nationwide search, Dallas-based executive search and talent development firm Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of Katie Thomas as the new chief human resources officer of Boise State University. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “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,” Ms. Griswold said. “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 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 CHRO for Boise State University,” Bryant Group said. “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,” said Ms. Thomas. “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.”
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Boise State University is a public, metropolitan research university providing leadership in academics, research, and civic engagement. The school has more than 24,000 students from every state and more than 60 foreign countries. Boise State is designated as a doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It offers about 200 programs of study, including 11 doctoral programs. The university is an integral part of its metropolitan environment and is engaged in its economic vitality, policy issues, professional, and continuing education programming and cultural enrichment.
Finding Senior Leaders
Bryant Group specializes in advancement, fundraising, and leadership for universities, hospitals, and other non-profits. Its services include recruiting, talent development, and leadership coaching. The organization’s higher education clients include Stanford University, Harvard University, Michigan State University, Baylor University, the University of New Mexico, and others. Its healthcare clients include UCLA Center for the Health Sciences, the Mayo Clinic in both Minnesota and Arizona, Henry Ford Health Systems, Betty Ford Center, to name just a few. Its other non-profit clients include the American Heart Association, March of Dimes in both California and New York, the J. Paul Getty Trust, and more.
Bryant Group Helps Fill Senior Role for the University of San Diego
Bryant Group has assisted in the recruitment of John Rogers as associate vice president for university events and partnerships for the University of San Diego (USD). Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, led the assignment. “It was clear through the interview process that John’s extensive experience and leadership developing and implementing significant, high-profile events aligns perfectly with this role,” said Rick Virgin, vice president for university advancement at University of San Diego. “He is also committed to building meaningful partnerships across and beyond the USD community. As we embark on our upcoming comprehensive campaign, we are looking forward to having John’s knowledge and experience on our university advancement team.”
Bryant Group is led by CEO Sally Bryant. She joined the search firm in 2007 and brings 30 years of experience in advancement management, consulting and recruiting, as well as achievements from the corporate sales arena and success in other entrepreneurial activities. Christopher P. Bryant, co-founder and advisor of Bryant Group, is a leader in the recruitment of advancement, development, and fundraising professionals. In 1988, he helped start what the firm describes as the country’s first executive search firm to specialize exclusively in philanthropy recruitment.
Bryant Group is the successor firm, established in 2002. Now under the leadership of Ms. Bryant, the woman-owned firm focuses on advancing great leadership through executive search, leadership coaching and interim leadership services. Bryant Group has impacted more than 10,000 leaders and served more than 270 organizations.
Ms. Hempen has over 20 years of fundraising and advancement leadership experience, serving most recently as assistant vice president of development at the University of South Florida. Having served both public and private universities, she has developed and led annual giving teams that consistently exceeded goals and created new revenue channels focused on building a pipeline for major gifts.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
