Wendy Welch joined DESE Research in 2024 as the Human Resources Lead & Facility Security Officer (FSO) and has since been promoted to the Human Resources Manager. In this diverse role, she leads HR strategies that drive organizational growth, employee satisfaction, and workplace compliance. She specializes in policy development, benefits administration, performance management, and employee relations. Her expertise spans critical areas such as labor law compliance, EEOC claims management, security administration, and benefits program oversight.

Beyond HR, Wendy plays a pivotal role in facility security operations, ensuring compliance with National Industrial Security Program (NISP) standards. She manages security policies, personnel clearances, and risk management efforts to maintain a safe and secure working environment. Prior to coming to DESE, Wendy gained over 25 years of experience in government contracting with over 20 of those years focused in human resources and security.
 

Wendy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a PHR certification. She is also an active member of the North Alabama Society for Human Resource Management (NASHRM), National SHRM, and NCMS, staying engaged with the latest HR trends and best practices.