Sarah Delaney Vero named general counsel, VP for human resources
Sarah Delaney Vero, an experienced attorney and human resources professional and Skidmore College’s current strategic HR advisor, has been named inaugural general counsel and vice president for human resources at Skidmore College, effective July 10. In this role, she will provide collaborative and thoughtful leadership, strategic vision, and legal perspective while fostering a supportive workplace culture that empowers and inspires engagement and creativity.
Vero has been part of the Skidmore community for many years. She began her work with the College in 2008 as outside counsel with the Office of Human Resources. In 2016, she stepped in as interim Title IX coordinator and became interim chief human resources officer in 2018. Named interim human resources director in 2020, she developed and executed strategies around workforce development and inclusion, talent management, organizational management, training, and many other areas — all during the intense challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last summer, in line with the College’s efforts to evolve HR’s structure, programs, and processes to align with best practices and transformations in the world and the workforce, Vero agreed to serve Skidmore in a part-time role as Skidmore’s strategic HR advisor.
“Sarah has served as a strategic partner to Cabinet and me regarding key organizational, employee, and management projects. She has always provided exceptional advice and counsel in support of our mission, vision, and values,” said Skidmore College President Marc C. Conner. “I look forward to her continued leadership in supporting the people who work every day to make our Skidmore the vibrant and supportive community we know and value.”
Vero’s prior work and practice have consistently focused on the people side of organizations. She founded and was managing partner of Delaney Vero, PLLC, a full-service law firm representing businesses and not-for-profit organizations across New York. She was also the co-founder and owner of the human resources consulting firm Integra HR, offering full-service and personalized human resources services to employers. A long-time advocate of the liberal arts education model, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Union College and a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School.
“I am truly honored by the opportunity to continue serving Skidmore College in this inaugural role. As outside counsel and through my interim roles at Skidmore, I have learned what it means to be part of this wonderful community,” Vero said. “I could not be more excited to devote all my time and attention to serving the College's staff, faculty, and students and to lending my expertise and advocacy to the President's Cabinet.”
Throughout her tenure at Skidmore, Sarah has demonstrated collaborative and inclusive leadership and adeptly guided the College through various transitions and challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served on and co-chaired the COVID-19 Logistics Working Group. Her ongoing service on the Committee on Intercultural and Global Understanding and the Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct Advisory Council speaks to her deep and personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at Skidmore.
Her appointment is the result of a national search that began in April and was assisted by Storbeck Search, as well as Kate Grimes and Jeanne Sisson in the Office of the President. The search committee included Jeff Segrave, Brianna Battise, Nathaniel Lowell ’24, and Joshua Woodfork.
“Sarah’s dedication to the liberal arts and the well-being of our community paired with her impressive legal qualifications stood out to the committee,” said Segrave, a professor of health and human physiological sciences. “Sarah brings to the role a unique familiarity with not only the issues that confront higher education but also how those issues will directly and specifically impact Skidmore College.”
