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(Philadelphia, PA) — Chartwell Law is pleased to announce that Sara Kennedy joined the firm on July 7 as its new Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). In this role, she will serve as a key member of the firm’s executive leadership team.
With deep experience leading human capital strategies across the healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries, Kennedy brings a dynamic and people-centered approach to human resources that aligns with Chartwell’s commitment to growth, innovation, and culture.
“Sara’s vision, experience, and inclusive leadership style make her an ideal fit for Chartwell as we continue building a workplace where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow and succeed.” said Dana Bennett, Chartwell’s Chief Administrative Officer. “We are thrilled to welcome her to our leadership team.”
Kennedy’s background outside the legal industry was one of the key qualities that made her an especially appealing candidate for Chartwell. Her diverse industry experience brings fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and innovative strategies to the firm—qualities that are increasingly essential as the industry evolves.
Prior to joining Chartwell, Kennedy served as Director of HR Operations at Penn State Health’s Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, where she supported over 10,000 employees across a multi-billion dollar healthcare enterprise. She also held senior leadership roles at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, where she played a pivotal role in transforming performance management systems, launching inclusive leadership training programs, and guiding the organization through a period of rapid growth and cultural evolution.
Known for her collaborative and transparent leadership style, Kennedy describes herself as an “HR nerd” with a deep passion for creating cultures where every individual feels a sense of belonging. As CHRO, Kennedy will oversee all aspects of Chartwell’s human resources strategy, including talent acquisition and retention, employee relations, performance management, and compensation and benefits. She will also join the leadership group overseeing the firm’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the firm’s ongoing Mansfield Rule certification efforts. Furthermore, she will serve as a strategic advisor on organizational design, leadership development, and long-term workforce planning to help Chartwell meet the evolving needs of its people and clients.
About Chartwell Law
Chartwell Law is a nationally ranked law firm with nearly 300 attorneys across more than 30 offices throughout the country. Our attorneys advise and defend complex, multi-party cases involving insurance coverage, bad faith, and reinsurance; construction defects and site accidents; automobile and trucking accidents; transportation law; retail, entertainment, and hospitality matters; employment law; workers’ compensation; first-party property; creditors’ rights; and marine law, among various other facets of general civil and commercial litigation. Fostering a collaborative approach to legal services, we maintain a national presence while providing a boutique experience to our clients.
