Lauren Dunn
Chief People Officer
Lauren is a dynamic and high-energy HR Leader with demonstrated expertise in policy, benefits, executive leadership, and staff development. With a proven track record in needs analysis and organizational assessment, Lauren has successfully supported businesses of various sizes and structures across multiple industries.
At Wiss, Lauren plays a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth by leading the People Operations team. Her team is responsible for managing benefits and compliance, learning and development, performance, recruitment and hiring, intern and entry-level programming, as well as fostering an exemplary employee experience.
In addition to her internal role, Lauren brings a wealth of HR advisory experience, having partnered with clients to provide tailored HR solutions that drive operational efficiency and support business objectives. She has advised companies with employee sizes ranging from 30 to 800 across industries such as commercial real estate, construction, restaurants and hospitality, delivering creative strategies that align people and performance. HR Advisory services provided to external clients include but are not limited to benefits administration, open enrollment, HR audits, process and technology review, employee handbook, and communication strategies.
Education and Certifications
BS – Business Management; Human Resources & Organizational Structure / Minor; Spanish Language & Literature
The Pennsylvania State University, University Park
SHRM Certified Professional
RYT-200
Psychology of Leadership, Cornell University
Prosci Certified Change Practitioner
Professional Affiliations
Society for Human Resources Management
New Jersey HR Council
Boston HR Council
Yoga Alliance
Accomplishments
Lauren has been recognized as one of COLOR Magazine’s Most Influential Women, earning a spot on the prestigious POWERLIST for her contributions to the HR field. She has consistently delivered innovative HR solutions that optimize operations and enhance organizational culture at Wiss.
Lauren was featured on the Powerful Women interview series, hosted by Dr. Randi Case of Morris Spine & Sport. This series features remarkable women who are making an impact in their communities. She was also interviewed by the New Jersey HR Council and featured on the WHY People Podcast presented by the Boston HR Council, both of which she is a member.
Other accomplishments include being a proud mother of two beautiful boys and performing Off-Broadway as a professional tap dancer in her earlier years!
Beyond Wiss
Being entrepreneurial and fascinated by organizational psychology, Lauren enjoys the “How I Built This” podcast, “The Dave Chang Show”, “Work Life” with Adam Grant, and “Hidden Brain”. HR Pod favorites include “The Modern People Leader” and “Why People”.
Lauren enjoys spending quality time with her sons, Gavin and Nate, and her husband, Bob. She spends the fall season rooting for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team, WE ARE!
Lauren also loves her Peloton, is an avid yoga practitioner, and enjoys giving time to charitable organizations.
Fun Facts
What’s something intriguing that most people wouldn’t know about you?
I do NOT cook! I had managed to work in restaurants most of my life, so had been “catered to” onsite. Thankfully, my husband, who is in finance and accounting, happens to be an incredible cook!