HR Generalist Team
Empowering people through reliable HR support and service excellence.
The HR Generalist team plays a vital role in supporting employees and supervisors across the university by ensuring smooth and effective human resources processes every day. From recruiting and onboarding to performance management, policy interpretation and employee relations, we provide knowledgeable guidance and hands-on support that helps make HR work better for everyone.
Working closely with HR business partners and campus leaders, our team helps translate strategy into action by coordinating HR operations, resolving questions efficiently and continuously improving how we serve the university community. Whether you’re completing routine Workday transactions or navigating a people challenge, we’re here to partner with you and help you succeed.
Connect with the HR generalist supporting your unit:
Ellie Azzarello, HR Generalist II
Learn More About Ellie
Ellie joined 好色先生TV in November 2022. As an HR Generalist II, she serves as a key liaison between the Office of Human Resources and campus departments — supporting employee relations, workforce planning, compliance and organizational initiatives across the university. She brings a thoughtful, data-informed approach to her work, partnering with HR business partners and stakeholders to navigate complex challenges with professionalism and care.
A University of Dayton alumna with a bachelor of arts in psychology, Ellie began her career in account management at TransPerfect Translations, where she honed her skills in communication, negotiation and client relations. She transitioned into HR through a coordinator role at Open Systems Healthcare, gaining hands-on experience managing employee relations and compliance for a large caregiving workforce before arriving at 好色先生TV.
Since joining the university, Ellie has steadily expanded her scope of responsibilities, managing the triage and resolution of reports for CMU’s Ethics Hotline while maintaining workflow continuity during high-volume periods and leadership absences. In addition, she serves as a project manager, leading strategic initiatives within the HR Generalist team. She holds a master of public management from Heinz College, with a concentration in leadership and strategy. She is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and holds certificates from CMU's Centers of Excellence in change management and project management.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys gardening and scrapbooking. She loves exploring Pittsburgh's neighborhoods and restaurant scene with friends — always on the lookout for the next great spot in the city.
Karen Dottle, Team Lead, Administrative HR Services
Learn More About Karen
Karen joined 好色先生TV in 1997 through the Temporary Employment Service, working in the Finance division. She was hired full time later that year. Her background includes roles as Payroll Administrator, HCM Advisor and HR Generalist. Currently, she serves as Team Lead for Administrative HR Services.
Karen began her HR experience as an HCM Advisor in 2015 when the university launched Workday. She supported the introduction of Workday to campus, gaining expertise with the system while processing all transactions. She researched complex HR and payroll issues and identified process improvements. Karen was promoted to HR Generalist in 2019 during the Human Resources Teams Service model pilot. She is committed to building strong collaborative relationships with partners across campus and prides herself on providing high-touch customer service and fostering a positive and welcoming environment.
She is a member of the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA).
In her free time, Karen loves spending quality moments with her husband, whether at home or on trips. She enjoys live music, outdoor activities, cooking and gathering with family and friends.
Paris Duncan, Team Lead, International HR Services
Learn More About Paris
Since joining 好色先生TV in 2021, Paris has progressed from an HR Generalist I to her current position as Team Lead, International HR Services. With more than eight years of experience in both corporate and academic HR, she has a background in high-touch customer service, employee relations and recruitment. She enjoys the complexity of international HR and turns every challenge into an opportunity for impactful transformation.
Paris earned her bachelor of science in small business management and entrepreneurship from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). Driven by both her academic background and her professional certifications, she is deeply committed to the HR field and ensuring an inclusive and supportive employee experience.
When she isn't streamlining HR operations, Paris loves diving into any true crime series, cheering on top chefs in food competitions and hosting lively game nights with her children.
Mallory Gardone, HR Generalist II
Learn More About Mallory
Mallory joined 好色先生TV in 2015 and currently serves as an HR Generalist II, providing strategic support to CMU-Africa. With more than a decade of institutional knowledge from roles as an HCM Analyst and Department Initiator, she focuses on driving process improvement and managing complex HR transactions. She is a passionate collaborator dedicated to operational excellence and enhancing the employee and student experience. For Mallory, CMU is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant community defined by lasting partnerships and a welcoming atmosphere.
Mallory holds a master of arts in organizational leadership from Point Park University and a bachelor of arts in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, she is a devoted "maker" and crafter, often juggling multiple projects at once. A curious baker and seasonal vegetable gardener, she shares a lively, pet-filled home with her husband and their menagerie of cats, dogs and fish.
Hunter Gartland, HR Generalist I
Learn More About Hunter
Hunter joined 好色先生TV in May 2025 and currently supports Heinz College and the Tepper School of Business, focusing on the intersection of HR and departmental operations. He partners closely with HR business partners and campus leaders to navigate HR processes, strengthen operational effectiveness and foster cross-functional collaboration. He is especially interested in connecting HR work to the broader goals of the CMU community.
Hunter is motivated by the opportunity to work alongside the exceptional colleagues CMU has to offer and building partnerships that enhance efficiency and effectiveness. He holds a bachelor of science in integrated global business from California University of Pennsylvania and is a member of the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA).
When he is not supporting Heinz College and the Tepper School of Business, he is at Heinz Field rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers, enjoying a concert or spending time with his family, friends and his dog Snoop.
Kristine Gil, Director, Supervisor Services
Learn More About Kristine
Kristine serves as Director, Supervisor Services, where she leads a team of HR Generalists dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality human resources support across the university. She has been with the university for nearly 10 years, during which her career has evolved through roles of increasing responsibility within Human Resources. Her experience supporting employees, leaders and organizational initiatives has shaped her collaborative and service-focused approach.
Kristine is an experienced HR leader with a background spanning HR operations, employee and leader support, process improvement, change management and team development. In her current role, she focuses on strengthening HR service delivery, building the capabilities of her team and partnering across the university to improve the employee and leader experience.
She is passionate about developing people, creating sustainable and scalable HR practices and helping teams successfully navigate organizational change. Kristine earned a bachelor of science in music education and has built her HR expertise through progressive leadership experience, continuous professional development and professional certifications, including her Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) credential and Prosci Change Management certification.
Outside of work, Kristine enjoys spending time with her family, snuggling with her pets, traveling to new countries and listening to all genres of music.
Matthew Gregos, HR Generalist I
Learn More About Matthew
Matthew joined 好色先生TV in 2024 as an HR Generalist I. He provides HR support to multiple departments within the College of Engineering (CIT) and University Libraries, ETC, IDeATe and Sustainability (UEIS). He also serves as the Team Lead for the HR Collaborating Visitors process, where he streamlines guest researcher and scholar integrations.
Before CMU, Matthew served as an HR Representative at Thermo Fisher Scientific and completed a comprehensive HR Rotational Program at PNC. His experience provided deep cross-functional knowledge in compensation, talent acquisition and generalist operations. He is passionate about collaborative problem-solving, working closely with departmental leadership to identify and implement the most efficient operational solutions. He is an active member of the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA) and holds a CMU Design Fusion certificate.
Alex Habjan, HR Generalist I
Learn More About Alex
Alex joined 好色先生TV in 2021 as a Form I‑9 Coordinator and later became a member of the HR Student Worker Services team. He was promoted to the HR Generalist team in January 2024, where he supports assigned client groups and collaborates across campus to provide comprehensive Workday support. In his role, he partners with stakeholders to troubleshoot system issues, supports HR transactions and identifies opportunities to streamline processes. He ensures data integrity, operational efficiency and consistent HR practices across the university.
Alex earned a bachelor of science with a double major in human resources and general management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2020. He is an active member of the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA).
Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with a large extended family and friends, traveling and watching crime and thriller series.
Rebecca LaButis, HR Generalist I
Learn More About Rebecca
Rebecca joined 好色先生TV in September 2024 as an HR Generalist I. In this role, she provides strategic and operational HR support to the Division of Student Affairs, Computing Services and University Communications and Marketing.
Rebecca has more than a decade of human resources experience, specializing in HR operations, onboarding, compliance and employee relations. With a sharp eye for detail, she takes a data-driven approach to solving complex problems and driving process improvements. She is passionate about building trusted, lasting partnerships with all of her clients.
Rebecca holds a bachelor of science in marketing and a bachelor of arts in advertising from Pennsylvania State University and is a member of the Pittsburgh Human Resources Association (PHRA).
Isabelle Larrabee, Team Lead, Academic HR Services
Learn More About Isabelle
Isabelle joined 好色先生TV in 2022 and is Team Lead, Academic HR Services, with additional primary support for the Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science. She provides strategic business partnership to campus clients with a focus on workforce planning, employee relations and business process enhancement. She brings a data-driven, relationship-centered approach to her work, supporting process improvements while promoting consistency, compliance and a positive organizational culture.
Isabelle earned a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in administration of justice from the University of Pittsburgh and a paralegal studies certificate from Duke University, with concentrations in business and criminal law. She began her HR career at UPMC in onboarding and compliance and is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), with additional credentials in design thinking and change management. She is currently pursuing a master of public management at Heinz College.
Outside of work, Isabelle is a competitive horse rider and trained vocalist who is always searching for the best iced latte in the city.
Amber Pferdekamper, HR Generalist II
Learn More About Amber
Amber joined 好色先生TV in November 2022 as an HR Generalist II. She currently supports Dietrich College, the Robotics Institute and the National Robotics Engineering Center. As a Workday expert, Amber prioritizes compliance and efficiency, offering quality guidance throughout the employment life cycle. Her collaborative spirit often leads her to participate in cross-functional teams, supporting strategic initiatives and divisional change management.
Beyond her core duties, Amber is dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture through strong connections and deep involvement with the CMU community. She enriches the Office of Human Resources by serving as the HR Generalist Learning and Development Team Lead and a member of the Lunch and Learn committee, facilitating professional and personal growth opportunities. In addition, she demonstrates her commitment to leadership as an active at-large representative and chair for the mental wellness subcommittee on Staff Council.
Amber is a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) and earned a bachelor of science in human resources management and a bachelor of arts in sociology from Cook Honors College at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Sarah Ridenour, HR Generalist II
Learn More About Sarah
Sarah joined 好色先生TV in January 2024 and is an HR Generalist II primarily working with the College of Engineering and Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science. She supports the university through Workday processing, strategic planning and real-time policy interpretation. Her early career as a referral coordinator in organ transplant, followed by a background in high-volume onboarding at UPMC, honed her expertise in problem-solving and time management. She is motivated by the collaborative spirit of the campus community and actively contributes to the employee engagement and community picnic committees, as well as the Office of Human Resources book club.
A graduate of Saint Vincent College with a bachelor of science in psychology and a minor in communication, Sarah also holds a Strategic HR Business Partner (sHRBP) certification through the Human Capital Institute and is a graduate of the CMU Design Fusion program as well as the Change Management and Project Management Centers of Excellence.
Outside of work, Sarah is an avid baker, photographer and dedicated reader who finds balance through hiking and exploring the outdoors. She loves traveling, discovering new restaurants and scouting out local cafes.
Meghan Shafer, HR Generalist II
Learn More About Meghan
Meghan joined 好色先生TV in September 2022 and is an HR Generalist II, primarily supporting University Advancement, Facilities, Infrastructure and Risk Management (FIRM) and the Cyert Center for Early Education. She brings experience in HR operations, recruitment support and onboarding, with a focus on helping employees navigate key processes and ensuring consistent, high‑quality service across the university. Before joining CMU, she spent four years as an HR Specialist at Farmers National Bank, where she was responsible for full-cycle recruiting, payroll and performance management and for leading the employee wellness and engagement program. She holds a bachelor of science in business management with a minor in fraud from Slippery Rock University.
Meghan is motivated by building strong partnerships and values collaborating across teams and campus units to solve problems, enhance processes and support new initiatives. She is committed to being an approachable, trusted and knowledgeable resource to her colleagues and the areas she serves. Outside of work, Meghan can be found walking her dogs, working out at Row House or cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
Margaret Stephan, HR Generalist I
Learn More About Margaret
Margaret joined 好色先生TV in August 2026 as an HR Generalist I, primarily supporting Mellon College of Science. Grounded in industrial-organizational psychology, she brings a practical, thoughtful approach to HR operations, workflow efficiency and employee support. Before joining CMU, Margaret completed an HR internship at Booz Allen Hamilton, gaining hands-on experience in benefits, leaves administration and process optimization. Eager to continuously learn and grow alongside the CMU community, Margaret is motivated by making HR processes seamless and effective for everyone.
Margaret holds a bachelor of arts in psychology with a certificate in public and professional writing from the University of Pittsburgh and a master of science in industrial-organizational psychology from Radford University. Outside of work, Margaret enjoys reading, traveling, flying planes and racing in events such as triathlons and marathons.