SEATTLE – Arlene Seifert, a human resource professional with two decades of experience, has been appointed to the new position of chief human resources officer for the Archdiocese of Seattle.
In her role, Seifert will focus primarily on employee engagement to help ensure that all archdiocesan and parish ministries are serving church’s fundamental mission.
“Arlene brings tremendous knowledge and skill to this strategic CHRO role, which I believe is a cornerstone for helping our people achieve the mission of the church,” said Archbishop Paul D. Etienne. “I also greatly appreciate her insights and feedback as a lay leader in the archdiocese.”
Seifert will also oversee the archdiocese’s human resources, benefits and payroll team, and sit on the archdiocese’s leadership team.
“After practicing human resources for the last 20 years, I now have the privilege to do what I love at an institution where I can freely practice my faith,” said Seifert, a member of St. Monica Parish on Mercer Island. “I am honored and blessed to share my gifts with the church. I am most excited … that I get to work every day at an institution that respects the dignity of all.”
Before joining the archdiocese, Seifert led the human resources and payroll departments at Country Doctor Community Health Centers in Seattle. She has a special passion and deep expertise in antiracism, diversity, equity and inclusion. Seifert led multicultural and training initiatives as the human resource director at Bay Area Legal Aid and served in a leadership role determining the long-term strategic needs of the Progress Foundation in San Francisco.
“Arlene brings a wealth of experience in HR, payroll, benefits and technology, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Mary Santi, the archdiocese’s chancellor and chief of staff. “She is a wonderful addition to our team!”