Joe Vitale

Biography

Appointed as chief human resources officer in 2015, Joe Vitale is responsible for leading the Department of Human Resources in its mission of attracting, retaining and developing a community of talented and diverse individuals in support of the college’s mission and to meet the institution's strategic goals. He directs the benefits, compensation, labor, talent acquisition, retirement, payroll, student employment and employee relations efforts. 

Vitale holds over 20 years of human resources experience. He served as a vice president for human resources at Kent State University and was managing partner of an executive search firm. Among other positions, he served as an elected official in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, and early in his career, worked as a deputy finance director for United States Senator John Glenn. Joe was a finalist for Cleveland Crain’s Business’ HR Leaders Award for the “2013 HR Executive of the Year.” 

Joe holds a BA in social and behavioral sciences from Ohio State University and an MPA from University of Phoenix. He is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and a Certified Diversity Recruiter (CDR).  

He continues to be active in the northeast Ohio community by serving on various non-profit boards including the Spanish-American Committee (SAC), Oberlin Business Partnership (OBP), Ohio Travel Soccer League (OTSL) and others. Joe also volunteers his time with several youth organizations within the region. Joe is passionate about soccer and currently serves as a volunteer coach for the Oberlin College Women’s Soccer team.  He and his wife Jody have two daughters who attend Kent State University and Ohio University.