Daniel Gandarilla, Ed.D, SPHR

Dr. Daniel Gandarilla is an authentic, purpose-driven Human Resources executive known for his ability to navigate complex and challenging situations. He has deep experience in HR during significant change events including merger and integration work, crisis management (Ebola & Covid-19), ERP implementation, corporate restructuring, and virtual/remote teaming. Dr. Gandarilla has a history of delivering outstanding results through strategic collaboration and partnership with business leaders. His approach starts with listening and is characterized by practical, human-centered HR solutions. These efforts have contributed to national recognition for the organization he works for including Forbes “Best Places to Work” and Newsweek “Most Loved Workplaces.” He currently serves as MHA program faculty at Wake Forest University teaching human resources. At Advocate Health in Charlotte, NC, Dr. Gandarilla served as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive Services, where he spearheaded the creation of an Executive Services HR sub-function for 500 executives, overseeing all facets executive lifecycle management during a complex multi-state mega-merger. This new function brought together executive total rewards, executive recruiting, executive onboarding/offboarding, and executive teammate relations. Prior to the mega-merger, Dr. Gandarilla held the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Talent Officer for Atrium Health. He oversaw talent management, learning, workforce planning, HR analytics, talent acquisition and leadership & career development across a 70,000-employee organization. During this time, Dr. Gandarilla navigated a pandemic, 3 mergers, academic integration and ERP implementation. Dr. Gandarilla has also served as an executive at Texas Health Resources where he was Vice President and Chief Learning Officer. He directed succession planning, performance management, change management, and leader development for a 25,000-employee organization. He brought together Texas Health Resources University combining Human Resources services with non-traditional functions including Clinical Learning, Accredited Education and Medical Libraries. Dr. Gandarilla is committed to service and does that through his time on non-profit boards. He currently serves on the national board of National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives and in the Arts+ organization. He has also served on other non-profit boards including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Central Carolinas, American Heart Association of Western NC and South Carolina and Tarrant Area Foodbank and Colleyville Soccer Association. Dr. Gandarilla holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and an MBA in Management from Texas Christian University, as well as a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from Stanford University.