We look forward to working with you.
RISD Human Resources partners with campus colleagues to attract, retain and develop a diverse workforce. We strive to enhance the experience of all employees and to foster an environment that values respect, teamwork, diversity and inclusion. Our team works proactively to create an environment that respects the whole person.
We provide comprehensive services that serve our community in the areas of:
- benefits and well-being
- compensation
- talent acquisition
- employee and labor relations
- organizational development
- learning and development
Meet Our Team
Kiana Avlon
Talent Acquisition Partner
Provides full-cycle recruitment for administrative and other college-wide positions.
kavlon@risd.edu
401 454-6238
Lauren Bowen
Vice President, Human Resources
Leads RISD’s Human Resources team in providing comprehensive services to our faculty and staff community.
lbowen@risd.edu
401 454-
Lizzie de Cardenas-Norton
Human Resources Partner
Serves as the primary point of contact for Academic Administration, Academic departments, Faculty, Library, Campus Exhibitions, Center for Arts & Language, Strategic Partnerships, Career Center, Center for Complexity, Co-Works, Nature Lab, Research, Student Life, Enrollment, Finance and Administration, including Budget, Controller’s Office and ITS, General Council, Marketing and Communications, and SEI.
edecarde@risd.edu
401 454-6216
Alison Douglas
Associate Director, HR Operations
Implements employment operations solutions; serves as the primary point of contact for Continuing Education.
adouglas@risd.edu
401 454-6720
Jill English
Executive Director, Compensation and Benefits
Oversees and directs compensation and benefits.
jengli01@risd.edu
401 454-6124
Yesenia Figueroa
Human Resources Partner
Serves as the primary point of contact for Campus Services and RISD Museum.
yfiguero@risd.edu
401 454-6256
Melanie Gomes
Benefits Partner
Advises on and administers benefit and leave programs.
mgomes01@risd.edu
401 454-6428
Edrice Jean-Louis
Talent Acquisition Partner
Provides full-cycle recruitment for Campus Services and other college-wide positions.
ejeanlou@risd.edu
401 454-6253
Nicole Lemery
HR Administrative Coordinator
Provides comprehensive project coordinator, administrative and operational support to the Human Resources Office.
nlemery@risd.edu
401 427-3130
Kimberly Lima
Manager, HR Info Systems (HRIS)
Manages, evaluates and monitors HRIS information needs, systems, tools, integrations and business processes.
klima@risd.edu
401 454-6439
Elizabeth Rainone
Director of Employment
Oversees employment, employment relations and operations. Serves as primary point of contact for Institutional Advancement.
erainone@risd.edu
401 454-6427
Deserai Wills-Smith
Recruitment Coordinator
Provides coordination, logistical and onboarding support for full-cycle recruitment processes.
dwillssm@risd.edu
401 454-6606
Vacant
Director of Labor Relations
Oversee and directs Labor Relations.
Vacant
Compensation and HRIS Analyst II
Administers, analyzes and interprets RISD’s compensation program(s) and completes related HRIS actions.