LSA HR Department Administration & Management

Karla Renee Williams, Chief People Officer

Karla Renee provides executive leadership and strategic oversight for LSA Human Resources and other direct reports, setting the vision and direction for the People Team in alignment with institutional goals. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Providing executive leadership and strategic oversight for LSA Human Resources. 

• Setting the vision and direction for the People Team in alignment with institutional goals.

• Collaborating with college leadership to advance strategic priorities related to the employee experience, including workplace accessibility and organizational effectiveness.

• Driving initiatives that align HR policies and practices with the college’s mission, vision, and values, with a focus on recruiting, retaining, and supporting a diverse and engaged employee community.

• Supervising a pilot program for employee disability accommodations.

• Developing and overseeing the strategy and direction for professional development and training.

• Assessing and updating professional development practices to maximize access and opportunities for staff; reimagining approaches to recruitment, mentorship, employee onboarding, staff recognition, performance management, and exit practices.

• Fostering innovation related to workplace well-being, employee engagement, and flexible work.

To contact, please email karewi@umich.edu.

Patrick Smitowski, HR Director

Patrick provides strategic and tactical leadership for LSA Human Resources, guiding the team and advising college leadership on complex HR matters. His role encompasses:

• Manage the LSA HR team, plus the development, implementation, and improvement of HR practices that support the college’s mission and operations.
• Providing expert consultation and resolution for complex personnel issues involving staff, lecturers, graduate student instructors, and temporary employees.
• Developing and executing HR strategies to support LSA through significant organizational changes.
• Leveraging HR data analysis to enhance LSA's workforce planning and decision-making.
• Championing LSA's perspective on HR matters through active participation in college- and university-wide committees and initiatives.

To contact, please email psmitow@umich.edu.

Kim Lewandowski, Senior Administrative Assistant

Kim ensures the smooth operation of LSA Human Resources through dedicated administrative and program support. Contact Kim regarding:

• General administrative inquiries for the LSA HR office.
• Administration of the LSA staff tuition support programs.
• Organization and coordination for HR training sessions and major staff events (Spring Fling, Staff Achievement Awards).
• Maintaining LSA HR website content and employee email groups.
• LSA HR records management.
• Day-to-day HR budget and financial monitoring.
• Scheduling for the HR team and HR facilities support.

To contact, please email kimski@umich.edu.

Please visit the LSA HR Staff List for contact information for all members of the team. Any member of the LSA HR team will be happy to help you.