Libby Nicholson is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over 25 years of experience across the health, education, and technology industries. Her expertise spans a wide array of HR functions, including budgeting, executive coaching, conflict resolution, culture-building, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), team development, and public speaking. Known for her strategic acumen, Libby has consistently demonstrated a commitment to building people-centered organizations that prioritize employee engagement, culture alignment, and operational efficiency.
Currently, Libby serves as the Director of Human Resources at EF Education First, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Since joining in August 2023, she has led people operations and payroll across the U.S. in a hybrid environment and spearheaded the implementation of Oracle Human Capital Management (HCM) as the U.S. project lead. She also provides CliftonStrengths coaching to teams and individuals, helping employees harness their strengths and align with the organization’s goals. Her role at EF Education First underscores her dedication to fostering a supportive, efficient, and growth-oriented HR structure.
Before EF Education First, Libby held the position of Vice President of Human Resources at C2 Education, where she oversaw all HR functions, including change management, employee relations, and benefits. Her remote role enabled her to lead transformative HR initiatives and adapt the organization’s HR practices to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic workforce. Her six months at C2 Education reflect her adaptability and ability to make meaningful impacts quickly.
In her role as Vice President of People at Veracross, a global SaaS company, from September 2020 to December 2022, Libby established a robust and scalable People function. Her work was pivotal in developing the infrastructure necessary for sustained growth, including implementing an HRIS, performance management systems, and compensation platforms. Additionally, she guided the organization through significant transitions, including a hybrid return to the office, company scaling, and mergers and acquisitions, while ensuring cultural continuity. Libby’s tenure at Veracross highlights her capacity to drive both strategic and operational transformations that align with business objectives. Her leadership extended to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, underscoring her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
Libby’s career also includes a five-year tenure as Vice President of Human Resources at Empowered Education, where she built a metrics-driven HR department from the ground up and scaled it to a team of five. She was integral to communicating and aligning company values with business strategies for a rapidly growing organization. Her responsibilities spanned recruitment, training, culture, performance management, and M&A integration, reflecting her versatile skill set and her ability to navigate complex organizational challenges. This role positioned her as a cultural ambassador and a trusted advisor to senior leadership, further solidifying her reputation as an HR leader with a deep understanding of both people and business.
Libby’s professional certifications underscore her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in human resources. She holds certifications such as Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and StandOut Strengths Coach, and she has completed training in mental health first aid, executive coaching, and life coaching. Libby’s CliftonStrengths profile highlights her as an Achiever, Activator, and Communicator, attributes that have propelled her success and positioned her as a key driver of organizational and cultural growth.
Libby Nicholson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The Ohio State University, which has provided a solid foundation for her career in HR and people management. Her professional journey is marked by her ability to blend strategy with empathy, making her a transformative HR leader who prioritizes the growth and well-being of her teams and organizations. Her contributions to HR and people operations continue to leave lasting impacts, enabling organizations to thrive in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing work environment. In addition to her experience as an HR professional, Libby is also certified as a Life Coach with The Health Coach Institute, and spends her free time providing coaching for employees served by the Bravely platform.
Character: Libby Nicholson is a dedicated HR leader known for her integrity, empathy, and commitment to fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
Knowledge: With over 25 years of experience, she possesses deep expertise in budgeting, executive coaching, conflict resolution, M&A, and team development across diverse industries.
Strategic: Libby excels at aligning HR functions with business goals, having successfully implemented scalable systems and led critical organizational transformations in dynamic, high-growth environments.
Communication: She is an effective communicator and CliftonStrengths coach who inspires teams and drives alignment through clear messaging and coaching that empowers employees to reach their full potential.
