University of Colorado System Hires New Chief HR Officer

AGB Search recruits Tony Gherardini, a Colorado public sector veteran, for key systemwide role.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:04am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of university diplomas, a name plaque, and a pen on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the academic credentials and leadership responsibilities of the new chief HR officer for the University of Colorado System.The University of Colorado System's new chief HR officer brings a wealth of public sector experience to support the system's faculty and staff.Colorado Springs Today

The University of Colorado System has hired Tony Gherardini as its new vice president and chief human resources officer. Gherardini, a Colorado public sector veteran, was recruited for the role by executive search firm AGB Search.

Why it matters

The University of Colorado System is a major public higher education institution in the state, with four campuses and over 30,000 employees. Hiring an experienced HR leader is crucial to supporting the system's faculty and staff as it navigates challenges like talent acquisition, workforce planning, and employee engagement.

The details

In his new role, Gherardini will provide strategic leadership for systemwide HR operations, including talent acquisition and retention, labor relations, compensation strategy, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. He most recently served as executive director of the Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration, where he led HR strategy and operations for the state government.

  • Gherardini was recruited for the role by AGB Search in April 2026.
  • He will start in his new position at the University of Colorado System in May 2026.

The players

Tony Gherardini

The new vice president and chief human resources officer at the University of Colorado System, with over 20 years of public sector experience in Colorado, including leading HR strategy and operations for the state government.

University of Colorado System

A public higher education system in Colorado with four campuses, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

AGB Search

An executive search firm that specializes in higher education leadership assignments, and helped recruit Gherardini for the University of Colorado System role.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled Tony is joining our team. He has a long track record as a public servant, deep expertise and has demonstrated that he is a thoughtful leader. And the added bonus, that he is a CU Denver alumnus, make him the perfect fit for our team in the CU system office. Tony is taking on a critical role and I have no doubt that his skill set makes him perfect for the university.”

— Todd Saliman, President, University of Colorado System

“After more than 20 years in public service, returning to CU as an alumnus in this role is truly a dream come true. The university helped shape my journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to give back. I look forward to ensuring our HR operations are strong, responsive and seamless in support of our faculty and staff.”

— Tony Gherardini

What’s next

Gherardini is expected to start in his new role at the University of Colorado System in May 2026.

The takeaway

The University of Colorado System's hiring of an experienced public sector HR leader like Tony Gherardini signals its commitment to supporting its faculty and staff through strategic talent management as it navigates the evolving higher education landscape.