Goffe has broad experience in organizational leadership and change, workforce development, performance management, employee benefits, compensation, employee relations, HR analytics and technology, and more. Before her most recent appointment as vice president for human resources at MIT, Goffe worked at Washington University in St. Louis for 15 years where she held various leadership roles, including director of employee relations, before becoming vice chancellor for human resources. Goffe began her career in private industry before moving into the health care field as manager of human resources at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
“We are pleased to welcome Lorraine Goffe to Penn State. She has dedicated her career to envisioning and implementing innovative human resources services and systems that not only meet strategic goals, but that most importantly enhance the lives of employees,” said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business. “We look forward to the leadership that Lorraine will bring to this critical role.”
In her new role, Goffe will oversee Penn State Human Resources, which is comprised of more than 210 staff members who serve the University’s 37,000 full- and part-time employees across 24 campuses, excluding Penn State Health. She will serve on the President’s Council and provide leadership across all human resources departments, foster strategic collaborations, and build partnerships across academic and administrative units in support of the University’s mission and strategic plan.
In recent years, Penn State Human Resources has embarked on a transformation effort that continues to reshape and improve HR service delivery, effectiveness and efficiency. Goffe will play a key role in implementing the transformation of HR policies, practices and technologies over the next several years to enhance customer service, support employee engagement and build a diverse workforce, among other goals. She also will oversee comprehensive employee services and programs that foster a productive, diverse and inclusive environment with an emphasis on career development.
“I am truly thrilled to join the Penn State community and to build on the great work that has already been done to transform Human Resources,” said Goffe. “It is exciting as an HR leader to have the opportunity to join an organization already fully committed to a transformational process. I look forward to partnering with HR colleagues, leadership and all other members of the community to make the process a success, as well as to focus on other strategic priorities related to recruiting and retaining exceptional talent and supporting faculty and staff.”
During her time at MIT, from 2015 to December 2018, Goffe led a team of HR professionals responsible for the design, development and implementation of HR systems and services. She provided leadership to the MIT Work-Life Center, including five on-campus child care centers, and led initiatives to boost talent management, update compensation systems, streamline 401(k) investment options, and implement the university’s first Employee Assistance Program (EAP), among other strategic efforts.
At MIT, she also oversaw the development of a modern HR analytics system to gain greater insight into the employee base; identify workforce trends; and develop policies, programs and services that matched needs. As chancellor for human resources at Washington University, Goffe led a human resources transformational process, including overseeing a Retirement Plan Advisory Committee and redesigning health plans to improve affordability and outcomes for employees.
Among her professional and nonprofit affiliations, Goffe is the board chair of the Northeast Human Resources Association and a board member of the American Research Universities HR Institute. She volunteers on the Cambridge Committee on Civic Unity and is a graduate of Leadership St. Louis, a leadership development program for community leaders.
Goffe received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from William Woods University and master’s degree in business administration from National University. She also earned professional HR certifications from the Human Resources Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resources Management.