Nichole Upshaw, CPHR
Chief Human Resources Officer
Professional Overview
Nichole Upshaw is an accomplished human resources executive with over 20 years of experience in the retail and cannabis industries. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cirkul, she leverages her deep expertise in people management, talent development, and strategic HR initiatives to drive organizational growth and employee engagement.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cirkul, Nichole is responsible for leading the company's human capital strategy and aligning HR initiatives with the overall business objectives. She oversees all aspects of the HR function, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning. Under her leadership, Cirkul has consistently maintained a high employee satisfaction rate and implemented innovative HR programs to attract and retain top talent.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Nichole served as the Chief Retail & People Officer and Chief People Officer at Jushi Holdings Inc., where she played a pivotal role in scaling the organization's workforce and cultivating a positive company culture. She previously held the position of Executive Vice President of HR at Jushi Holdings Inc., where she spearheaded the development and implementation of comprehensive HR strategies. Earlier in her career, Nichole gained valuable experience as the Executive Director of Human Resources at RaceTrac and as a Store Manager at Wet Seal, Inc.
Academic Background
Nichole holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida, where she graduated with honors. She is a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), demonstrating her commitment to professional development and her deep understanding of best practices in the HR field.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic HR planning and execution
- Talent acquisition and employee engagement
- Performance management and leadership development
- Organizational design and workforce optimization
- Compliance and risk management
- Mergers and acquisitions integration
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Nichole has made significant contributions to the organizations she has served. At Jushi Holdings Inc., she played a crucial role in scaling the workforce from 150 to over 1,000 employees, while maintaining a strong focus on employee satisfaction and retention. Her innovative HR initiatives, such as the implementation of a comprehensive training and development program, have directly contributed to the company's success and industry recognition.
Conclusion
Nichole Upshaw is a dynamic and results-oriented human resources leader who consistently delivers strategic HR solutions that drive organizational growth and employee engagement. Her deep industry expertise, coupled with her strong track record of success, positions her as a valuable asset to Cirkul as the company continues to expand and thrive.