Elizabeth Bessey is a seasoned HR executive and certified professional coach whose career spans over three decades and seven industries. With a rare blend of strategic insight, operational savvy, and compassionate leadership, Elizabeth has consistently delivered high-impact results by transforming organizational cultures, elevating executive leadership, and aligning people strategies with business goals. Her ability to navigate complex environments, drive change, and unlock human potential has made her a trusted advisor to CEOs, boards, and senior leaders alike.
Throughout her 30-year career, Elizabeth has built a reputation as a dynamic HR strategist with deep expertise in executive leadership development, organizational design, talent management, and succession planning. From leading HR initiatives at Northern Oswego County Health Services (now ConnextCare) to launching her own coaching practice, she has championed people-first strategies that foster high-performing teams, improve retention, and ignite employee engagement. Her work at ConnextCare was particularly notable for aligning HR operations with organizational objectives, introducing leadership development programs that elevated senior management performance, and creating robust succession plans that ensured long-term sustainability.
As the founder of EB Professional Coaching, Elizabeth brings her certified ICF coaching expertise to individuals and teams seeking clarity, confidence, and growth. For nearly a decade, she has guided executives through pivotal career transitions, leadership challenges, and strategic decision-making processes. She approaches coaching with empathy, deep listening, and evidence-based frameworks, empowering clients to tap into their strengths and lead with authenticity. Her workshops and group coaching sessions have catalyzed cultural transformation at the leadership level, sparking improved collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
Elizabeth’s influence extends beyond the workplace and into the community. A passionate advocate for mental health, women’s empowerment, and ethical coaching standards, she has served on the boards of Ophelia’s Place, Helio Health, and the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Upstate New York Chapter. As a founding member and former Membership Chair of ICF Upstate NY, she played a critical role in expanding the chapter’s reach and fostering a community of professional coaches committed to continuous learning and ethical practice.
Her commitment to professional development is equally impressive. Elizabeth holds multiple prestigious certifications, including the ICF ACC, EMCC Global accreditations, and certifications from iPEC and the Conscious Business Institute. She is also SHRM-CP and PHR certified, bringing both depth and versatility to her HR leadership. Her academic foundation in Business Management and HR from Binghamton University laid the groundwork for a lifelong dedication to learning and leadership.
A compelling communicator and thought leader, Elizabeth has delivered keynote addresses at major HR conferences, including the CNY SHRM and STAHR Conferences. She was featured in Syracuse Woman Magazine as a “WBOC Leading Woman,” underscoring her commitment to inspiring others through both her words and actions.
Elizabeth’s leadership is grounded in authenticity, guided by values, and driven by a belief that people are an organization’s greatest asset. Whether working with boards, coaching executives, or leading HR strategy, she brings clarity, courage, and compassion to every interaction. Her impact is both immediate and enduring, transforming not only the systems she touches but the people she serves.
Character
Elizabeth Bessey leads with integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to empowering others, consistently earning the trust of colleagues, clients, and board members through her values-driven approach and dedication to personal and organizational growth.
Knowledge
With over 30 years of experience in human resources across seven industries and multiple certifications in coaching and leadership, Elizabeth brings a profound depth of expertise in talent development, organizational culture, and executive coaching.
Strategic
Elizabeth is a forward-thinking leader who aligns people strategies with business objectives, drives change through purposeful planning, and designs systems that build sustainable leadership and high-performing teams.
Communication
Elizabeth is an engaging and empathetic communicator who fosters trust and clarity in every interaction, whether guiding senior leaders through coaching conversations, speaking at conferences, or collaborating with boards and stakeholders.
