July 31, 2018

Vice President for Finance & Treasurer Rob Specter announces changes to leadership in the Office of Human Resources. Maureen Brookbank, associate vice president for human resources, will move to a role as assistant to the chief of staff in the Office of the President. Jeff Branstetter, formerly chief human resources officer at Creighton University, has been appointed to serve in a full-time, temporary role as interim chief human resources officer. Both changes take effect on Aug. 8.

“We thank Maureen for her dedicated service to the Office of Human Resources and the University, and wish her well in her new responsibilities,” says Specter.

The University has retained the executive search firm, Koya Leadership Partners, to conduct a national search for permanent Human Resources leadership.

“The Office of Human Resources is of strategic importance in positioning Catholic University as an employer of choice in the region”, says Specter. “We are pleased to welcome Jeff Branstetter to the University. During this transition we will continue to prioritize identification, attraction, and retention of the very best faculty and staff. And, we’ll endeavor to improve the quality and consistency of our service to the campus community.”

Branstetter says that he is “excited about this opportunity to serve Catholic University, continuing my service to Catholic mission-focused institutions. I look forward to meeting and working with the University community.”

Branstetter has served as a consultant in the greater Omaha, Neb., area since July 2017. Prior to that, he served for a decade as chief human resources officer for Creighton University, and as vice president for human resources for ConAgra Foods, vice president for human resources and training for TD Ameritrade, and vice president for human resources and training for American Express/First Data Corporation.

Branstetter will report to the Vice President for Finance & Treasurer, and will serve on the Executive Committee of the Administrative Council. He will be responsible for leading and supervising the personnel and activities of the Office of Human Resources. His duties shall include ensuring that all functions of the office are executed in a professional and timely manner and that they are carried out consistent with the mission and goals of the University. He will work with colleagues across the University to identify, plan for, advocate for, and act upon opportunities to improve the University’s Human Resources policies, systems, processes, and outcomes.