Brett Last named Skidmore’s chief human resources officer

Brett I. Last, a human resources professional with a background in employment law and experience in higher education, has been named chief human resources officer at Skidmore College.

Last will oversee all aspects of human resources across the College, which has more than 1,100 employees. Last will begin his new role Feb. 25 and report to Donna Ng, Skidmore’s vice president for finance and administration and treasurer.

“Brett Last brings to Skidmore a unique professional background that combines human resources leadership with the practice of employment and labor law in higher education and industry,” Ng said. “Throughout his impressive career, he has demonstrated adaptability, agility and creativity in the field of human resources. Brett’s detailed understanding of human resources in a higher education setting will strengthen Skidmore moving forward.”

Last joins Skidmore from Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he served as executive director of human resources and interim Title IX coordinator. Last formerly held several senior positions, including executive director of human resources at Olympus Corporation of the Americas in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. He also practiced employment and labor law in New Jersey.

At Northampton Community College, Last was involved in major human resources initiatives. He helped to improve human resources processes, implemented a leadership development pilot program and negotiated several labor agreements. He also taught the course Human Resources Management.

“We are very happy to welcome Brett Last to Skidmore,” said President Philip A. Glotzbach. “Our faculty and staff are essential to fulfilling our liberal arts mission. Brett’s expertise and leadership will support and encourage institutional excellence, diversity and inclusion at Skidmore.”

Last holds an undergraduate degree in political science from the College of New Jersey and completed his law degree at Rutgers University. He succeeds Barbara Beck, who retired in 2018 after serving the College for 21 years.

"I am honored and excited to be joining Skidmore College. I was energized by my visit to campus, and I enjoyed my discussions with members of the Skidmore community. I was especially moved by the enthusiasm and pride of College employees,” Last said. “I look forward to working with the human resources team and collaborating with all members of the campus community."

Donna Ng expressed thanks to all members of the Skidmore community involved in the chief human resources officer search, especially Kyle Bernard, Caroline D'Abate, Lori Eastman, Pat Fehling and Theresa Wagner, who served on the search committee, as well as to Sarah Delaney Vero, who has been serving as interim chief human resources officer. Ng expressed appreciation to faculty and staff who attended community presentations and provided important feedback. She also acknowledged Koya Leadership Partners for assisting in the national search for this position.