Updates Announced in Human Resources

The new year will bring some changes to the Office of Human Resources. John Greeno, assistant vice president and chief human resources officer, has made the decision to retire, effective Jan. 10, 2022, after faithfully serving the University in this important role since October 2015.

Greeno will be succeeded by Ryan Dawson, senior director of human resources, who will be appointed as associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer in January.

During his time at Duquesne, Greeno has led the Office of Human Resources in its vast work and achievements, including:

• Developing/implementing a robust strategic plan for Human Resources that focuses on partnership and providing innovative and people-centered services and solutions
• Launching the HR applicant tracking system, which provides a better, faster screening platform for hiring managers to review resumes and CVs. It also reduces time spent on administrative tasks for employment recruiters
• Initiating the Staff Advisory Council to provide active and direct communication to appropriate University officials about matters of interest or concern to Duquesne’s non-faculty, non-union employees
• Establishing and implementing Duquesne’s first policy to permit regular remote work arrangements, as well as important and family-friendly policies such as the parental leave policy, the respectful and professional conduct policy, and a temporary leave-sharing policy that provided employees the opportunity to donate vacation and sick days to their colleagues
• Serving as a key contributor to the COVID-19 Health and Safety Taskforce.

“John’s leadership led to significant, meaningful improvements for the University and its people, and he will be greatly missed,” Pam Connelly, senior vice president for legal affairs and general counsel, said. “We are fortunate, though, that John has agreed to transition into a part-time role for a time to assist in specialized areas, including labor relations.”

Dawson, who received his bachelor’s degree from Duquesne in 1997, first began working in the Office of Human Resources in 1998 as an employment manager.

“Ryan has been with Duquesne for many years and has broad and deep experience in all aspects of human resources, including employee relations, compensation, recruiting, learning and development, and benefits,” Connelly said. “He has worked closely with colleagues at all levels of the University, and he is a trusted partner in helping departments, managers and colleagues achieve their goals and support the mission of the University. We are grateful to have such a well-qualified and respected colleague to assume this important role.”

Dawson, who also has been a deputy Title IX coordinator for the University since 2016, earned a master’s degree in human resources and industrial relations from St. Francis University in 2003.

“Please join me in wishing both John and Ryan well as they prepare to begin new chapters in January,” Connelly said.