Heather Christophersen serves as the vice president for human resources, leading the team responsible for comprehensive support and development of all Notre Dame employees, directing the work of the people and culture, total rewards, talent acquisition, learning and development, strategic operations and employee experience, staff diversity and inclusion, and institutional equity teams.
Heather graduated from Notre Dame in 1998 with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and later earned her MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Heather also earned a certificate for the Chief Human Resources Officer program at the Wharton School in 2023.
Prior to returning to work at Notre Dame, Heather worked in the chemicals industry for 12 years, both for BP Chemicals and Elevance Renewable Sciences. She served in a variety of progressive roles in manufacturing, logistics, asset management, and business operations.
Prior to her appointment as vice president, Heather has held leadership roles at Notre Dame in Development; Facilities, Design, and Operations; the Office of Sustainability; the Office of Strategic Planning and Institutional Research; the Office of the Executive Vice President; and the Notre Dame Alumni Association.
Heather serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County and she and her husband, Chad (ND ’95), and their two children, Quinn and Avery, are active members of the South Bend and Michiana community.