Human Resources

Kevin Vedder

Associate Vice President
kvedder@tntech.edu
931-372-3038

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Sherry Howard

Director, HR Services
showard@tntech.edu
931-372-3259

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Apple Garcia

Benefits Specialist
adgarcia@tntech.edu
931-372-3713
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Apple oversees the enrollment and changes in benefits, conduct help sessions for clarity and support, and provide valuable guidance in retirement planning. Additionally, they serve as the primary contact for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) inquiries and the Faculty/Staff Sick Bank, ensuring employees are well-informed and supported in all benefits-related matters.

Jessica Northcutt

Compensation & Classification Specialist
jlnorthcutt@tntech.edu
931-372-6863
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Jessica will provide guidance, coordination, and support in the compensation and classification area. She will act as the primary point of contact and consultation for the University community, as appropriate, on position classification and reclassification and associated compensation issues.

Ali Arnold

Employee Relations Specialist
akarnold@tntech.edu
931-372-3037
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Ali will provide guidance and direction on various employee relations issues, including performance management, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, HR investigations, and other employment issues.   

Leslie Hamlett

Training & Development Specialist 
lhamlett@tntech.edu
931-372-3028

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Leslie supports learning by designing and coordinating professional development opportunities that strengthen workplace skills and enhance organizational effectiveness. She collaborates with departments across campus and creates updates and maintains Talon Resources to ensure employees have clear and accessible information. Leslie works closely with HR partners, supervisors, and subject‑matter experts to align training initiatives with university goals and provide employees with the resources they need to thrive.

Jennifer Zimmerman

HR Generalist
jkzimmerman@tntech.edu
931-372-3671

Jennifer will carry out responsibilities in the functional areas of recruiting, employment, and onboarding and will partner with colleges/departments to communicate Human Resources policies, procedures and programs.

Christa Blair

HR Front Desk Coordinator
cblair@tntech.edu
931-372-3220
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Christa is responsible for I9 information and authentication, ensuring compliance with employment eligibility requirements, managing employee educational benefits, prior service and additional retirement credit requests. She also assists the Benefits Specialists with employee benefit enrollment/changes, Family Medical Leave Act and providing essential support and information to employees.

Guadalupe Hernandez

Financial Associate
ghernandez@tntech.edu
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Lupe's duties are to assist in recruitments and onboarding for temporary positions, including adjuncts, and primary HR contact for all student employment forms and files. Assist with the data processing of entering, maintaining, and auditing of sensitive HR data, preparing ad-hoc/scheduled reports and helping as a resource for process-improvement tasks and special projects.

Katy Caldwell

HR Generalist
kcaldwell@tntech.edu
931-372-3039

Katy is a graduate of TN Tech's College of Business. She enjoys cooking, shopping, antiquing, and playing pickleball. She loves spending time with her Maltipoo, Charli, and making memories with her friends and family. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Katy will manage responsibilities across recruiting, employment, and onboarding, and will collaborate with colleges and departments to communicate HR policies, procedures, and programs.

Shana Rich

Benefits Specialist
slrich@tntech.edu
931-372-3150

Traveling, discovering new places, and making memories with her family are some of Shana's favorite things. When she is not road-tripping or catching a flight, you’ll find her enjoying life with my husband and our dog.

Shana will help employees understand their benefits and help navigate the benefits process, support them during annual enrollment and life events. Additionally, she will serve as the primary contact for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) inquires and university leave benefits.