Natalie Coleman
SVP, People | Chicago, IL
Professional Overview
Natalie Coleman is an accomplished human resources executive with extensive experience leading people-focused initiatives across the education and food service industries. As the Senior Vice President of People at Tovala, she is responsible for spearheading the company's talent management strategies, organizational development programs, and employee engagement efforts to support the organization's rapid growth.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the SVP of People at Tovala, Natalie is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's human resources function, including talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, and workforce planning. She has been instrumental in scaling the company's people operations to support its expansion, implementing innovative HR practices that have resulted in improved employee satisfaction and retention. Under her leadership, Tovala has been recognized as a top employer in the Chicago area.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Natalie served as the Chief People Officer at Tovala, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company's culture and driving organizational effectiveness. Before that, she held dual roles as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of People at both Nova Academies and Nova Pioneer, where she was responsible for aligning the organizations' operational and human capital strategies to support their growth and expansion across Africa.
Natalie's career began in marketing, where she held positions as the Chief Marketing Officer at Nova Academies and Nova Pioneer, leading global branding and communications initiatives. She later transitioned into human resources, leveraging her business acumen and strategic mindset to drive meaningful organizational change.
Academic Background
Natalie holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, where she honed her expertise in strategic decision-making and data-driven problem-solving. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University.
Areas of Expertise
- Talent management and workforce planning
- Organizational development and change management
- Employee engagement and culture building
- HR strategy and policy development
- Scaling operations and improving operational efficiency
- Strategic marketing and brand management
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Natalie has demonstrated a proven track record of driving positive organizational outcomes. At Nova Academies and Nova Pioneer, she spearheaded the implementation of innovative HR initiatives that improved employee retention, increased productivity, and supported the companies' rapid expansion across Africa. At Tovala, she has been instrumental in shaping the company's people strategy, leading to recognition as a top employer in the Chicago area.
Conclusion
Natalie Coleman is a seasoned human resources leader with a diverse background in both people management and marketing. Her ability to align human capital strategies with business objectives, combined with her passion for building high-performing organizations, positions her as a valuable asset to Tovala as it continues to grow and scale. Natalie's strategic vision, people-centric approach, and proven track record of success make her a sought-after HR executive in the industry.
