Kathy Arnold is a dynamic leader with a broad range of experience in public, private, and non-profit sectors. Known for her ability to think ahead and solve complex problems, Kathy has a strong track record of aligning people and strategies to achieve business goals.
Before joining Naughtin Group, Kathy served as the Vice President and CHRO at the University of St. Thomas. There, she led a major transformation of the HR department, improving how services were delivered, boosting employee engagement, and implementing strategies that helped both employees and the organization perform better. She also co-founded an Artificial Intelligence working group, working closely with the Chief Technology Officer to explore how AI could be used both in classrooms and in the workplace.
Earlier in her career, Kathy worked at C.H. Robinson Worldwide, where she gained valuable experience in talent management and improving how organizations run. She later managed a $6 million learning and development budget and created a Project Management Office to oversee large HR projects.
Kathy's expertise also extends beyond HR. At Willis Towers Watson, she played key roles in managing client relationships and business development. One of her most notable achievements was securing a $30 million deal, one of the largest in the company’s Minneapolis office. As the Healthcare Industry Champion, she helped the company grow its client base in the healthcare sector and led a leadership program to support the development of top HR professionals.
Outside of her professional work, Kathy is deeply committed to giving back to her community. She serves as Vice President on the board of Emma Norton Services, which provides housing and support to those in need. Kathy is also Vice President of the Human Resources Executive Council and has volunteered with Secondhand Hounds, where she fosters animals and helps promote pet adoption.
Kathy holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of Central Florida and has completed coursework toward a Master’s degree in Industrial Relations at the University of Minnesota
