New VP for Human Resources Ramona Allen

Dear MIT faculty and staff,

I am delighted to share the news that Ramona Allen, assistant dean for human resources (HR) in the School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P), will become MIT’s vice president for human resources effective October 1.

We have been working to identify the right individual to lead MIT Human Resources since Lorraine Goffe’s departure at the end of 2018, and I am thrilled that we have identified an internal candidate with exceptional experience, qualities, and abilities. Ramona brings a deep appreciation and understanding of the MIT organization and culture, broad experience as a strategic thinker and creative problem solver, a collaborative and approachable management style, and exceptional leadership skills. She will report to me, with additional dotted-line reporting to Provost Martin Schmidt, and we look forward to working together with Ramona to support the needs of the MIT community.

Ramona has been a member of the MIT community for the past 30 years in roles of progressively increasing responsibility. During her tenure, she has served as advisor to three SA+P deans and to the leadership of a number of departments, laboratories, and centers. She has also acted as coach to many staff members across campus.

Ramona began her MIT career in 1989, as a personnel officer in MIT Human Resources supporting the interdisciplinary research centers and laboratories under the vice president for research. Beginning in 1995, she served as human resources administrator in the Department of Biology, and then joined the Media Laboratory as its first director of human resources in 2001. In 2004, she assumed additional responsibilities for HR activities in SA+P. Ramona was appointed the first director of human resources for the School in 2008, and was promoted to assistant dean for human resources in 2013.

Ramona brings a wealth of experience in employee and labor relations, compensation, performance and talent management, and change management to the role. She is committed to fostering a welcoming environment and broadening diversity and inclusion programs. She has demonstrated a sustained dedication to MIT and an unwavering commitment to our community.

In making this announcement, I wish to express my gratitude to Deputy Executive Vice President Anthony Sharon for taking on the additional responsibilities of vice president for human resources on an interim basis during this transitional time. His work has been invaluable in defining the key attributes needed to fulfill the many demands of this important position.

I have the greatest enthusiasm for the many contributions I know Ramona will continue to make to the Institute, working collaboratively with the Office of the Provost, and am thrilled to have her as part of the senior leadership team.

Please join me in congratulating Ramona!

Sincerely,

Israel Ruiz
Executive Vice President and Treasurer