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    BPI Expert Faculty

    Fernan R. Cepero

    Key Takeaways

    • 1.He is known for architecting people development strategies to cultivate management talent.
    • 2.Cepero drives organizational development projects to enhance institutional capabilities.
    • 3.As a Chief Diversity Officer, he is a champion for creating inclusive and equitable workplace cultures.
    • 4.He testified before the U.S. Senate Aging Committee on solutions for an evolving workforce demographic.

    About Fernan

    Fernan R. Cepero is a faculty expert at the Best Practice Institute, recognized for his extensive experience in human resource strategy, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness across global organizations.

    Who is Fernan R. Cepero?

    Fernan R. Cepero is a distinguished human resources executive with a career spanning significant roles at prominent organizations including the YMCA of Greater Rochester, Southern New Hampshire University, Nestlé Waters North America, and Xerox. As Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer for the YMCA of Greater Rochester, he is instrumental in shaping human capital strategies. He also serves as a Human Resource Partner for YMCA of the USA and Vice President of Human Resources at Southern New Hampshire University.

    Cepero is a recognized faculty expert at the Best Practice Institute, where he shares insights on leadership, organizational development, and workplace culture. His work focuses on developing robust HR strategies that foster talent growth and drive organizational success in complex environments. His expertise is frequently sought after for transforming HR functions to align with strategic business objectives.

    Quick facts about Fernan R. Cepero

    RoleChief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer, Vice President of Human Resources, Human Resource Partner
    CompanyYMCA of Greater Rochester, Southern New Hampshire University, YMCA of the USA
    ExpertiseHR Strategy, Leadership Development, Organizational Development, Talent Management, Diversity & Inclusion, Workforce Planning
    Notable forImplementing People Development Strategies, organizational development initiatives, advocacy for aging workforce challenges
    BPI affiliationExpert Faculty member

    What is Fernan R. Cepero known for?

    Fernan R. Cepero is known for his strategic contributions to human resources and organizational development:

    • Architecting People Development Strategies: He spearheaded the creation and implementation of a People Development Strategy at Xerox, focused on cultivating management talent for long-term company needs.
    • Driving Organizational Effectiveness: At Southern New Hampshire University, he initiated significant organizational development projects to enhance institutional capabilities.
    • Championing Diversity and Inclusion: In his role as Chief Diversity Officer, he fosters inclusive workplace cultures and equitable practices.
    • Addressing Aging Workforce Challenges: Cepero has testified before the Senate Aging Committee, offering insights and solutions for adapting to an evolving demographic in the workforce.
    • Global Leadership Certification: He holds a YMCA of the USA certification as an Organizational & Global Leader, underscoring his capability in international and complex organizational environments.

    What is Fernan R. Cepero's background and experience?

    Fernan R. Cepero's career is marked by progressive leadership roles in human resources and organizational development across diverse sectors. He earned both a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MS) degree. His professional certifications include PHR and SHRM-CP, and he is a YMCA of the USA certified Organizational & Global Leader.

    His professional journey includes serving as:

    • Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer for the YMCA of Greater Rochester.
    • Vice President of Human Resources at Southern New Hampshire University.
    • Human Resource Partner for YMCA of the USA.
    • Employee Development Manager at Nestlé Waters North America, where he managed recruiting, employee development, and succession planning.
    • Human Resource and Employee Development Manager at Xerox Corporation, where he was responsible for developing and maintaining a pipeline of management talent.

    Cepero also contributes to academia as a faculty member at Medaille College, Bryant & Stratton College, and the University of Phoenix, and teaches HR courses at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), covering subjects like Human Resource Management, Employee Benefits & Compensation, and HR Employment Law. He is the Immediate Past President of the Genesee Valley Chapter of SHRM and a former State Director for the New York State Society of HR Management.

    What topics does Fernan R. Cepero speak and write about?

    Fernan R. Cepero focuses on a comprehensive range of topics central to modern human resources and organizational leadership. He delves into the nuances of leadership development, emphasizing strategies for cultivating effective leaders within diverse organizational structures. His work also explores organizational development and change, guiding companies through transformations that enhance efficiency and foster growth.

    Key themes in his discussions often include strategic HR planning, talent management, and robust succession planning to ensure long-term organizational stability. Furthermore, his expertise encompasses diversity and inclusion, an area where he actively works to build equitable and engaging workplace cultures that resonate with the Most Loved Workplace® movement championed by the Best Practice Institute.

    How does Fernan R. Cepero contribute to the Best Practice Institute?

    As a faculty expert at the Best Practice Institute, Fernan R. Cepero brings his extensive practical experience and academic insights to BPI's global network. He contributes to BPI's mission of identifying and disseminating best practices in leadership, HR, and organizational development, which align closely with the principles of the Most Loved Workplace® certification.

    Through his affiliation, Cepero helps organizations understand how to implement effective talent strategies, foster strong workplace cultures, and develop leaders who can navigate complex challenges. His insights reinforce the SPARK Model by addressing crucial elements like effective leadership, talent development, and creating a positive employee experience, thereby advancing BPI's research into what makes companies truly loved by their employees.

    Where can you learn more from Fernan R. Cepero?

    To gain insights from Fernan R. Cepero, explore his expert profile and resources available through the Best Practice Institute. His BPI affiliation provides access to his perspectives on human capital strategies and methods for building high-performing, ethical workplaces.

    Background & Perspective

    Professional Background

    Fernan R. Cepero is a distinguished human resources executive with a career spanning leadership roles at the YMCA of Greater Rochester, Southern New Hampshire University, Nestlé Waters North America, and Xerox Corporation. He currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer for the YMCA of Greater Rochester, a Human Resource Partner for YMCA of the USA, and previously was the Vice President of Human Resources at Southern New Hampshire University.

    Cepero earned both a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MS) degree. His professional certifications include PHR, SHRM-CP, and a YMCA of the USA certification as an Organizational & Global Leader.

    Areas of Expertise

    Cepero is a recognized expert in developing robust HR strategies that foster talent growth and drive organizational success. His work includes:

    • HR Strategy & Talent Management: At Xerox, he developed and maintained a pipeline of management talent. At Nestlé Waters, he managed recruiting, employee development, and succession planning.
    • Organizational Development: He initiated significant organizational development projects at Southern New Hampshire University to enhance institutional capabilities.
    • Diversity & Inclusion: As Chief Diversity Officer, he actively works to build equitable, inclusive, and engaging workplace cultures.
    • Workforce Planning: He has addressed national workforce challenges, including testifying before the Senate Aging Committee regarding the aging workforce.

    Academic Contributions and Affiliations

    Cepero contributes to academia as a faculty member at Medaille College, Bryant & Stratton College, and the University of Phoenix, and teaches HR courses at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). He is the Immediate Past President of the Genesee Valley Chapter of SHRM and a former State Director for the New York State Society of HR Management.

    Topics Covered

    As a faculty expert at the Best Practice Institute, Cepero shares insights on a range of topics, including:

    • Leadership Development
    • Organizational Development and Change
    • Strategic HR Planning
    • Talent and Succession Planning
    • Diversity and Inclusion

    Areas of Expertise

    HR StrategyLeadership DevelopmentOrganizational DevelopmentTalent ManagementSuccession PlanningDiversity & InclusionWorkplace Culture

    Research Topics

    LeadershipHuman ResourcesOrganizational CultureTalent StrategyDiversity & Inclusion

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    Frequently asked questions

    Best Practice Institute

    Best Practice Institute is the research organization behind Most Loved Workplace® certification, the SPARK Model, the Love of Workplace Index™ (LOWI™), and The Workplace Report.

    The Workplace Report

    The Workplace Report is BPI's original workplace culture research and editorial briefing series for CEOs, CHROs, people leaders, talent leaders, and employer-brand teams. It turns BPI's 25 years of research, Most Loved Workplace® certification data, SPARK findings, and current workforce signals into practical analysis leaders can use.

    The report format includes executive summaries, research-backed articles, company examples, methodology notes, and practical implications for retention, hiring, culture, leadership, and employee experience. New research and analysis is published on an ongoing editorial cadence at /workplace-report.