Carnegie Mellon University
Human Resources  ›  HR News  ›  2024  ›  Staff Highlight: HR Technology Team

HR Technology team during a Zoom meeting

June 05, 2024

Staff Highlight: HR Technology Team

The HR Technology (HRT) team plays a critical role in supporting and enhancing Workday, our HR and payroll system. The team also manages integrations with other platforms such as those used for retirement contributions and identity services, and supports other HR systems like CMU=You. HRT's work is essential for ensuring HR processes run smoothly for our employees.

Serving as steward of HR data, HRT manages data requests and develops dashboards to visualize information for leadership.

Over the past several months, HRT has served a pivotal role in launching new tools and enhancements in Workday, including Total Rewards statements, HR dashboards available on the DASH platform, and Workday Journeys for onboarding. HRT also supports operational initiatives that use Workday, such as the performance management and merit processes.

Introducing the Team

  • Sunnya Ahsan, HR technology architect:
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? Overcoming new tasks with a collaborative team that always supports one another.
    • Fun fact: I love dessert and always have at least a small one after lunch or dinner.
  • Kelly Andrus, HR technology architect:
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? I love project-based work! I'm constantly able to grow and challenge myself professionally by working on so many different things.
    • Fun fact: I spent a year living and teaching university English courses in the South of France.
  • Missy Carrozza, HR technology architect
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? I highly value the continuous growth and development opportunities that CMU afforded me. During my time here, I've embraced diverse roles to nurture my personal and professional growth, supported by ongoing training, CMU education, and steadfast encouragement from supportive supervisors.
    • Fun fact: I recently got my first tattoo — a tiny design of a dog next to a heart.
  • Christie Cole, HR business analyst:
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? The people! HR as a whole is filled with amazingly talented people and I enjoy getting to work on projects with everyone.
    • Fun fact: Now that our kids are reaching adulthood my husband and I have started a travel bucket list for the two of us. Our adventures begin in the fall!
  • Augie Delbert, manager, data and analytics:
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? The collaborative, can-do nature of our team members and colleagues around campus.
    • Fun fact: My wife and I love making ice cream and experimenting with cookie combinations. My favorite so far this year has been key lime ice cream with basil-lemon sugar cookies. A close second was peppermint-chai ice cream paired with ginger-molasses cookies around the holidays. We're also addicted to coffee ice cream and always have a fresh batch in the freezer.
  • Christina Grogan, HR technology architect:
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? The buzz and energy on campus.
    • Fun fact: My goal is to live in Ireland one day!
  • Garret Jones, HR technology and integrations architect
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? I get to work on challenging and engaging tasks and am always learning something new.
    • Fun fact: In my earlier twenties, my days were dedicated to payroll work at ADP, and I spent my evenings training at a local boxing gym. This eventually led me to compete in amatuer boxing matches across Western PA and Ohio.
  • Matt Keating, assistant vice president, HR technology and service
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? The creative, hard-working people.
    • Fun fact: By July, I will have watched a game in-person at every Major League Baseball stadium.
  • Chrissy Lacher, director, HR solution consulting and services:
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? I'm constantly challenged, never bored and always get to work with wonderful people.
    • Fun fact: I recently learned how to crochet and can't stop making blankets.
  • Hari Padala, HR technology integrations architect
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? What inspires me the most is an environment that fosters new ideas, a workplace that encourages teamwork and the sharing of knowledge across the team.
    • Fun fact: I'm a terrible singer, but that doesn't stop me and I love to sing whenever I get a chance.
  • Christopher Piccolo, senior HR technology and integrations architect:
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? I'm surrounded by amazing colleagues who have repeatedly come together to deliver solutions to some pretty challenging situations.
    • Fun fact: I play guitar for fun. In the '90s I was in bands that played at Spring Carnival.
  • Linda Schmidt, director, HR technology and data services
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? Getting to work on really interesting things with the best people. Everyone brings a unique perspective that makes the place better and the work fun!
    • Fun fact: I love birds and have traveled to a few exotic places to see them.
  • Irina Ueno, HR technology solutions architect
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? That I can participate in the life of the university: go to a lecture or a concert, take a class; browse and check out books in the library.
    • Fun fact: I have around 100 cookbooks. I love reading about food of different countries and cultures.
  • Nico Yeager, manager, HR technology
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? Tackling challenging tasks with passionate and insightful coworkers creates a dynamic and fulfilling work environment.
    • Fun fact: I'm having identical twin girls this month (June 2024).
  • Lisa Zamperini, manager, HR technology operations
    • What do you like most about working at CMU? I have been fortunate to work with fantastic people throughout my career.
    • Fun fact: When I started at CMU, Ronald Reagan was the U.S. President, "Careless Whisper" was number one on the Billboard charts, Tepper School of Business was the Graduate School of Industrial Administration (GSIA), Heinz College was the School of Urban and Public Affairs (SUPA) and Dietrich College was H&SS.

Contact HR Technology

The HR Technology team is available to answer your technology-related questions or support your data needs. You can reach out via email.