Kendell Sherrer is a transformative HR executive whose career spans more than three decades, with a legacy of leadership in global Total Rewards strategy, HR transformation, and benefits innovation across some of the world’s most respected organizations. As Vice President of Total Rewards at Cardinal Health since 2020, Kendell leads a comprehensive global portfolio encompassing health and welfare benefits, wellness programs, financial plans, time off and leave initiatives, work/life strategies, compensation systems, sales incentives, rewards and recognition, and all related communications and administration. His leadership in this role is the culmination of over 22 years of progressive advancement within Cardinal Health and nearly 35 years of cumulative experience in HR and total rewards management.

Kendell’s expertise lies in his strategic, enterprise-wide approach to Total Rewards. His career is marked by numerous pivotal roles at Cardinal Health, including a decade-long tenure as VP of Global Benefits, where he led global health, financial, and stock programs and was a central figure in steering the company’s response to Health Care Reform. He also served as VP, HR Business Partner for critical corporate functions, led HR for the $1.5B Nuclear Pharmacy Services business unit, and directed major transformation initiatives related to business process outsourcing and a multitude of HR policy standardizations. Kendell has also served as the lead HR representative through multiple mergers, acquisitions and divestiture activities at all four Fortune 500 organizations he has been a part of. He is considered a true expert when it comes to integrating diverse organizations and creating common cultures, HR policies, Total Rewards practices, and the overall employee value proposition and experience. 

Before joining Cardinal Health, Kendell held influential roles at AutoNation, PepsiCo, and Halliburton, each time assuming enterprise-level responsibility for designing and managing large-scale employee benefits programs impacting tens of thousands of employees and retirees across domestic and international operations. His early career work at Halliburton involved managing benefits for over 72,000 global employees and retirees, solidifying his foundational expertise in leading complex, multinational HR programs.

Kendell’s academic foundation includes a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma Norman Campus and a bachelor’s degree in business (accounting) from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, blending legal acumen with business and financial insight—a combination that has uniquely positioned him as a strategic leader in a highly regulated and evolving HR landscape.

Deeply committed to community and industry engagement, Kendell has contributed his expertise through multiple board roles. He served as a committee board member for the National Business Group on Health and previously served on the board of the New Directions Career Center. His past board affiliations also include the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus, DOSSIA, Dublin Education Foundation, and the Profit Sharing and 401(k) Council of America. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, Oklahoma Bar Association, and Phi Delta Phi Honorary Legal Fraternity, reinforcing his commitment to ethical leadership and professional excellence.

Kendell’s career reflects a rare blend of technical knowledge, strategic HR vision, and a personal dedication to employee wellbeing. His long-term career ambition to become an SVP in either HR Business Partnership or Total Rewards mirrors his unwavering drive to elevate organizations by aligning talent strategies with business performance on a global scale. He is a respected voice in the Total Rewards space and a trusted leader known for developing programs that not only meet business goals but also enhance the everyday lives of employees worldwide.

Character
Kendell Sherrer demonstrates unwavering integrity, resilience, and dedication throughout his decades-long career, consistently leading with empathy and a strong sense of ethical responsibility across diverse, global organizations. His long-term commitment to empowering employees and communities reflects a deeply rooted purpose to serve and uplift others.

Knowledge
With more than 30 years of experience in HR and Total Rewards, Kendell brings unparalleled expertise in global benefits, compensation strategy, and workforce transformation, supported by both legal and business degrees. His comprehensive understanding of health care reform, compliance, and international programs has made him a trusted advisor and subject matter expert at the enterprise level.

Strategic
Kendell has repeatedly driven large-scale change and innovation by aligning people strategy with business outcomes, from leading HR transformation initiatives to guiding organizations through restructuring and global benefits reform. His future-forward vision positions him as a key architect in shaping competitive, human-centered rewards strategies that support organizational growth and employee wellbeing.

Communication
Kendell is a skilled communicator who fosters trust and clarity through transparent dialogue, inclusive leadership, and impactful storytelling across executive teams and employee populations. He has successfully led communications for enterprise-wide HR programs, ensuring alignment, engagement, and understanding at every level of the organization.