Anne Roemer, a seasoned professional in human resources with over 20 years at NASA, will assume the role of Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at William & Mary starting on November 3, 2023. In her new position, Roemer will oversee all human resources functions at the university, which include employee relations, talent engagement, and strategic planning.
Currently serving as the Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer at NASA, Roemer leads a team of approximately 280 personnel, providing HR support to the agency’s 18,000 employees. Her extensive background includes managing NASA’s Astronaut Selection Program and overseeing significant HR initiatives that have shaped the agency’s workforce.
Leadership and Strategic Vision
In her remarks regarding the appointment, Roemer expressed her enthusiasm for joining the William & Mary community. “I am honored to join the William & Mary team later this fall as the next CHRO,” she stated. “People are any institution’s most important asset, and I look forward to partnering with faculty and staff in continuing to build a welcoming and supportive workplace.”
Reporting directly to Executive Vice President Mike Todd, Roemer will also be a member of the President’s Cabinet. She succeeds Debi Jarvis, who has been serving as interim CHRO since June. Todd highlighted Roemer’s exceptional qualifications, noting, “She stood out from a national pool with her strategic and thoughtful approach to HR leadership. She has deep experience building high-performing teams and leading change in support of an organization that conducts world-class research and delivers cutting-edge educational programs.”
As CHRO, Roemer will manage a team of 35 and will be responsible for all HR processes and operations at William & Mary. Her responsibilities will encompass employee relations, business partnerships, the Human Resources Information System, total rewards, and communications. One of her primary objectives will be to ensure that the HR department provides excellent service while fostering collaborations to sustain the university’s inclusive culture.
A Proven Track Record at NASA
Roemer’s career at NASA began in 2000 when she joined as a presidential management fellow. Over the years, she has taken on increasingly responsible roles, including serving as the Human Resources Director for NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. There, she was integral in recruiting, developing, and retaining over 3,000 civil servants who support the International Space Station and NASA’s ambitious goals for lunar and Martian exploration.
In her current role since 2023, Roemer has managed the operations and budget of the Office of the Chief Human Capital Office, which totals approximately $84 million. She played a significant role in modernizing NASA’s astronaut selection process during the 2017 and 2021 cycles and co-led an agency-wide Human Capital Transformation Project aimed at enhancing HR service delivery.
Roemer’s contributions to NASA have been recognized through numerous awards, including the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal.
NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Casey Swails congratulated Roemer on her new role, stating, “Anne’s impact at NASA over the past 25 years has been extraordinary – from shaping the astronaut selection process to strengthening our workforce for missions to the moon, Mars and beyond.”
Roemer holds a degree in international relations from Roanoke College and a master’s in international administration from the University of Denver. Originally from Ohio, she resides with her husband and their twin daughters.
With her extensive experience and proven leadership skills, Roemer is poised to make a significant impact at William & Mary as it continues to foster a vibrant and dynamic academic environment.
