Renée DeBlois, Associate Director of Human Resources

As the Associate Director of Human Resources, I oversee employee relations, people strategy, compensation, compliance, and data analysis for informed decision-making. I also work with the Arboretum’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee and serve as a university Title IX Resource Coordinator.

I have a progressive work history at Harvard, having worked for the University for over 21 years in four schools and five central administration units. Prior to working in human resources, I was a clinical social worker supporting children, adolescents, and families.

What I most appreciate about the Arboretum is the range of jobs fulfilled by an incredible family of staff and their passionate commitment to the collection and the people who visit and study here. My favorite shrub In the Arboretum’s living collection is the the smoketree (Cotinus coggygria) which blooms in in July and August!

Outside of the 9-5, I love crafting and artistic pursuits, including knitting, sewing, quilting, drawing, painting, and journaling. My rescue cats, Poppy Lou and Shrimp Boots love to supervise and get their exercise by knocking over balls of yarn and tubes of paint.