Sertoma Star Services Welcomes Nicole M. Dunham as Chief Human Resources Officer

Sertoma Star Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole M. Dunham, SHRM-CP, as Chief Human Resources Officer. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience, Dunham has dedicated her career to strengthening organizations through strategic workforce development, employee engagement, and people-centered leadership in nonprofit, healthcare, and corporate environments.  

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Dunham will lead the organization’s human resources strategy, including talent acquisition and retention, employee engagement, leadership development, compliance, organizational culture, and workforce planning. Her leadership will play a critical role in supporting Sertoma Star Services’ dedicated employees as they advance the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness.

Dunham joins Sertoma Star Services following several executive leadership positions, most recently serving as Chief Human Resources & Compliance Officer for One Hope United, a multi-state nonprofit serving more than 10,000 children and families annually. Throughout her career, she has successfully guided organizations through growth, organizational transformation, workforce development initiatives, compliance management, and strategic planning while fostering positive workplace cultures and high-performing teams.

“We are excited to welcome Nicole to the Sertoma Star Services leadership team,” said Kelly Berardelli,  President/CEO. “Her extensive experience, strategic vision, and passion for people-centered leadership will help strengthen our organization and support our continued growth.”

Dunham holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Development and a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications and Marketing from Indiana State University. She is a SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management.

“I am honored to join Sertoma Star Services and contribute to an organization with such a strong mission and impact,” said Dunham. “I look forward to supporting the talented employees who make this work possible and helping build a workplace culture that enables both employees and the individuals we serve to thrive.”

Sertoma Star Services empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those living with mental illness to live meaningful, independent, and productive lives. Serving nearly 2,000 individuals throughout Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Sertoma Star Services provides a wide range of programs and services focused on community inclusion, employment, residential support, therapeutic activities, and personal growth.