Katie Gausepohl

Overview

I believe the strongest HR strategies create exceptional employee experiences while strengthening the business. The best solutions don't require choosing one over the other—they achieve both. That philosophy has guided my leadership throughout my career, from developing innovative Benefits programs and leading enterprise governance initiatives to partnering with executive leadership on complex organizational challenges. Over two decades of progressive HR leadership, I've led enterprise initiatives spanning Total Rewards, employee well-being, leave administration, retirement, HR operations, and strategic vendor partnerships. My focus has always been balancing financial stewardship with meaningful investments in people—building programs that attract talent, improve retention, reduce organizational risk, and support long-term business goals. I enjoy solving complex business challenges, simplifying complicated processes, and helping leaders make confident, data-informed decisions. Whether evaluating multimillion-dollar vendor relationships, leading enterprise governance committees, implementing innovative employee well-being initiatives, or guiding organizational change, I believe HR leaders create the greatest value when they connect people strategy to business strategy. Colleagues describe me as collaborative, curious, and calm under pressure. I believe strong relationships, transparency, and thoughtful leadership are the foundation for meaningful change. I'm passionate about partnering with organizations that believe exceptional employee experiences drive exceptional business results—and I enjoy connecting with leaders who share that vision.

Timeline

Director • Executive

NetJets • Full-Time

Jan 2018 to Present 8 Years 7 Months Columbus Remote/Hybrid

Over eight years at NetJets, I have assumed progressively broader leadership responsibilities across Benefits, Payroll, HR Service Center Operations, Leave Administration, and Employee Experience, reflecting the organization's confidence in my leadership and strategic contributions.

Throughout my career at NetJets, I have partnered with executive leadership to develop people strategies that strengthen the employee experience while advancing long-term business objectives. I believe the strongest HR strategies create value for employees while delivering measurable business results.

Key accomplishments include:

• Develop and execute enterprise Human Capital and Total Rewards strategies supporting thousands of employees while balancing employee experience, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance.

• Transform the organization's approach to employee well-being by designing and launching its enterprise wellness strategy from the ground up, creating a foundation for long-term employee engagement and healthier workforce outcomes.

• Introduce innovative employee programs that enhanced the Total Rewards portfolio, strengthened attraction and retention, and helped manage long-term healthcare costs.

• Help build one of the aviation industry's premier drug and alcohol recovery support programs, partnering across executive leadership, labor, medical professionals, and regulatory stakeholders.

• Provide executive leadership for retirement plan governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic vendor partnerships representing millions of dollars in organizational investment.

• Serve as chair of six company and union committees, building trusted relationships across labor and leadership while driving collaboration on complex organizational initiatives.

• Advise executive leadership through data-driven recommendations that balance employee needs, organizational priorities, regulatory requirements, and financial stewardship.

Senior Benefits Manager • Lead

The Limited • Full-Time

Oct 2006 to Mar 2017 10 Years 5 Months New Albany In office

During my tenure with The Limited, I served as a strategic partner to the Chief Human Resources Officer, helping shape the organization's Total Rewards strategy during a period of significant organizational change. This role expanded my leadership beyond benefits administration into enterprise strategy, executive governance, financial stewardship, and cross-functional partnership—experiences that continue to influence my leadership approach today.

Key accomplishments included:

• Developed and executed enterprise Benefits and Total Rewards strategies that supported employee attraction, retention, regulatory compliance, and long-term business objectives.

• Partnered directly with executive leadership to evaluate emerging benefit strategies, recommend program enhancements, and guide organizational decisions affecting thousands of associates.

• Chaired the Retirement Committee, leading fiduciary governance activities and collaborating with committee members and external advisors to strengthen oversight and long-term retirement strategy.

• Directed strategic relationships with consultants, healthcare carriers, retirement providers, and external partners, improving service delivery, accountability, and program effectiveness.

• Balanced employee experience with financial stewardship by evaluating plan performance, identifying optimization opportunities, and supporting sustainable benefit investments.

• Helped evolve the organization's wellness strategy, integrating employee well-being into the broader Total Rewards philosophy.