Trinity University has named Wendy Fournet, Ed.D., as its new chief human resources officer (CHRO). Fournet, who will join the Trinity community on November 2, has more than two decades of experience leading people, culture, and organizational strategy across institutions.
Fournet joins Trinity from Erlanger Health, where she served as executive vice president and chief administrative officer. In that role, she was a member of the health system’s executive leadership team and provided strategic oversight for areas including human resources, workforce and organizational development, employee health, compliance, marketing and communications, and patient experience.
At Trinity, Fournet will serve as the university’s senior human resources expert and a key strategic adviser to the president and executive leadership team. Her portfolio of human resources will include talent acquisition, talent management and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, change management, records management, compliance, and reporting, as well as human resources technology (Workday).
“Wendy brings to Trinity a deep understanding of how strong organizations invest in their people and build cultures where individuals and teams can thrive,” said Trinity President Vanessa Beasley, Ph.D.. “Her experience leading through change, combined with her commitment to listening, collaboration, and employee development, will make her an important partner as we continue to strengthen Trinity as a place where talented people can do their best work.”
Throughout her career, Fournet has emphasized the role of human resources as a strategic partner in shaping both employee experience and organizational success. Her experience is a culmination of leadership development and succession planning, employee engagement initiatives, compensation strategy, HR technology modernization, and workforce development partnerships. At Erlanger, she led initiatives across a workforce of more than 8,000 employees.
“What excites me most about Trinity University is the institution’s clear commitment to strategic thinking, employee engagement, organizational culture, and human-centered leadership,” Fournet said. “My experiences across academic medical centers and healthcare have prepared me to navigate complexity, build trusted relationships, lead organizational transformation, and create innovative HR strategies that align institutional goals with employee success.”
Fournet has held senior leadership positions at organizations including Logan Health System in Montana, Lake Charles Memorial Health System in Louisiana, and the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. At Logan Health, she helped lead the organization through its merger with Billings Clinic while overseeing human resources, quality, education, marketing, and workforce development.
She earned a doctorate in organizational learning and change from Baylor University, a master’s degree in human resources and leadership development from Louisiana State University, and a bachelor’s degree in history from Lamar University. She has also taught graduate-level leadership courses at Louisiana State University and currently lectures in the University of Tennessee at Knoxville’s MBA Physician Executive Program.
Fournet’s appointment comes as Trinity continues to focus on attracting, developing, and retaining talented employees while strengthening a workplace culture that supports the university’s mission and long-term priorities.
As Trinity welcomes this new chapter in HR leadership, the university also extends its appreciation to Dr. Brandi Jones, former Vice President for People, Culture, and Community. The university is grateful for Jones’ service to Trinity and for her contributions to the community during her time here.