Mary Kang, MHRIR 22, Head of People Operations, OnMed
Mary is a results-driven People Strategy & Operations Leader with expertise in scaling people operations in hyper-growth companies. She specializes in change management, talent development, culture building, and operational excellence across sectors such as FinTech, EdTech, CPG, Supply Chain, and HealthTech. Mary thrives in fast-paced environments, leading growth and organizational transformations.
With a BA in Economics from NYU, Mary stumbled into HR after being hired by an LER alum. In her commencement speech for the Online MHRIR program, she shared her passion for continuous learning and growth. One of her favorite aspects of the program was engaging with renowned guest lecturers from diverse industries. Mary is excited to support the LER community, contributing innovative ideas to students and alumni.
Tanner Nelson, MHRIR 20, HR Business Partner, The Vomela Companies
After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota and completing an HR internship, Tanner Nelson began his HR career at a Fortune 500 company in the Twin Cities. Inspired by LER alumni, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Human Resources.
Tanner valued the MHRIR online program’s flexibility, which allowed him to take on multiple HR Generalist/BP roles while continuing his studies. The coursework was practical, enabling him to apply what he learned directly to his job. Earning his Master’s Degree through LER was a key turning point in Tanner’s career, equipping him with the skills, knowledge, and network to achieve his current professional success.
Fai C. Thompson, MHRIR 19, People Experience Director, PepsiCo
Fai Thompson’s journey to the LER program started two years after earning her undergraduate degree while balancing a young family and a full-time job. After receiving a job offer from United Technologies Corporation (now RTX), Fai realized that pursuing a Master’s in HR would accelerate her career growth. She chose the LER program at UIUC for its reputation, flexibility, and her existing connection to the university.
While in the program, Fai took on an HR role at Amazon, and the online format allowed her to connect with a diverse cohort. She appreciated the professors’ expertise and the opportunity to engage in insightful class discussions. Upon graduating, Fai’s career quickly advanced with an offer from PepsiCo, enabling her to grow professionally and continue doing meaningful work.
The LER program equipped Fai with the knowledge, skills, and network to propel her career forward. She now proudly advocates for the program, highlighting its flexibility, quality instruction, and networking opportunities as key factors in her success.
Cortney Xiong, MHRIR 22, Senior Manager, Human Resources, Oracle Corporation
Cortney Xiong is thrilled to be a part of the advisory committee for the University of Illinois LER program. She credits the LER program for providing an elevated HR education, taught by tenured professionals with diverse industry and background expertise. For Cortney, the greatest return on investment from the program was the vast network of resources and the high caliber education further enhancing putting HR theory into practical HR strategy and delivery.
Having already practiced HR for over 13 years before returning to school, Cortney reflects on the decision to pursue her master’s degree as one of the best she has ever made. She will never regret the choice, as it significantly enriched her professional journey and broadened her horizons in the field of HR.
Chad Delong, MHRIR 23, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, Oceaneering
Before enrolling in the LER MHRIR program, Chad Delong spent six years at Apple as a People Operations Manager. Though he enjoyed his role, a project in Human Resources sparked his interest in pursuing a career in HR. He transitioned from operational HR to focusing on the strategic side, aiming to develop human capital strategies that drive company success.
After researching various HR Master’s programs, Chad chose LER for its strong reputation and comprehensive experience for online students. As a working professional, he was able to immediately apply his learning, particularly from courses like Employee Engagement, Change Management, and Workforce Analytics. These courses boosted his confidence and helped him achieve his goal of becoming a strategic HR Business Partner at Oceaneering International.
Beyond academics, Chad valued the relationships he built with classmates and professors, which have remained strong. Ultimately, he views his decision to attend LER as one of the best decisions he has ever made.
Joan Bertucci, MHRIR 20, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Solaris Health
Joan Bertucci’s passion for HR started 30 years ago, and she pursued a Master’s in Human Resources for two reasons: her love for the field and the strong recommendation of the LER program from her son, an LER student.
She appreciated the program’s diverse courses, expert professors, and valuable cohort connections, blending academic rigor with practical insights. Shortly after earning her MHRIR, Joan was promoted to Vice President of HR, followed by a promotion to Senior Vice President. She credits the degree with helping her achieve her goal of advancing to a senior-level HR role.
Nichole Hemming, MHRIR 17, Chief Human Resources Officer, State Universities Retirement System of Illinois
Nichole Hemming earned her BS in Business Administration from the University of Illinois and spent much of her HR career at the university. In 2014, she decided to take her career to the next level by pursuing an MHRIR. After testing the on-campus program, she found the online format offered the flexibility to balance work, family, and school.
The MHRIR program helped Nichole advance into higher-level positions at the University of Illinois, ultimately leading to her current role as CHRO for the State Universities Retirement System. She is proud to support the online program as it continues to evolve with the changing professional landscape.
