Elizabeth Zacharias (Image credit: Courtesy Aerojet Rocketdyne)

Elizabeth Zacharias, head of human resources at Aerojet Rocketdyne in Rancho Cordova, Calif., has been named vice president for human resources at Stanford University effective Oct. 19. She replaces David Jones, who stepped down this summer.

“Elizabeth Zacharias is a seasoned human resources executive who understands the needs of teams working within large, complex organizations,” said Stanford President John Hennessy. “At Aerojet Rocketdyne, she created comprehensive leadership and development programs. I’m delighted Elizabeth will be joining Stanford and look forward to her contributions to our innovative workplace programs. Thank you to Linda Lee for her service leading human resources and supporting our faculty and staff while we conducted our search.”

The vice president for human resources reports to the president and manages seven core staff functions at the university: compensation, benefits, staffing, learning and organization effectiveness, human resources communications, employee and labor relations, and HR information systems.

“I’m honored to be leading human resources for Stanford, and I’m excited to join a world-renowned university and award-winning employer,” Zacharias said. “I look forward to the opportunities involved in supporting the people who are so important to sustaining and advancing Stanford University’s high standards, culture of innovation and reputation for excellence.”

Debra Zumwalt, Stanford vice president and general counsel, chaired the search committee for the position.

“After an extensive search, the committee was unanimous in its recommendation of Elizabeth to lead human resources at Stanford,” Zumwalt said. “She has great experience, commitment to client service and passion for the value that human resources can bring to the university and its mission. We are excited to welcome her to the Stanford family.”

Zacharias has served in human resources leadership roles at Aerojet Rocketdyne, which has more than 5,000 employees, since 2001, and as vice president for human resources there since 2009. She previously served in human resources management roles at Concero and Claremont Technology Group, both in the Sacramento area. She holds a B.S. in business administration from California State University, Sacramento.