Meet the Human Resources Team

Dana Nagengast, SHRM-SCP

Dana Nagengast, SHRM-SCP

Assistant Vice President – Chief Human Resources Officer (AVP-CHRO)Kingston Hall909.621.8512dnagengast@hmc.edu

  • Leads the Office of Human Resources, delivering innovative and customer-focused HR services related to candidate recruitment and onboarding experience, compensation and benefits, performance management, employee relations, HRIS/payroll processing, HR compliance/policy administration, and professional training and development.
  • Advises and partners with college leadership to achieve college and department goals in support of the College’s strategic initiatives.
  • Leads and collaborates with the HR team to foster community connections through communication, events, and gatherings to support our staff.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for employees and supervisors pertaining to employee relations matters.
  • Serves as one of the Workplace Violence Administrators for the College.
  • Represents the College as an active member of the Human Resources Committee of The Claremont Colleges and collaborates with colleagues in intercollegiate initiatives and programs. 
Patrice Siffert, SHRM-SCP

Patrice Siffert, SHRM-SCP

Senior Associate Director for Human ResourcesKingston Hall909.607.4154psiffert@hmc.edu

  • Oversees hiring and onboarding for faculty, including managing HR processes for faculty appointments, in collaboration with the Dean of the Faculty’s Office. Schedule and conduct new hire orientation for the new faculty.
  • Partners with the AVP-CHRO regarding staff compensation analysis/programs and employment immigration requests.
  • Partners with the AVP-CHRO to support the annual performance management program.
  • Serves as the liaison with The Claremont Colleges Services (TCCS) regarding benefits administration, questions, and issue resolution for faculty and staff.
  • Oversees leave administration, which includes medical and family matters.
Haley Phillips

Haley Phillips

Assistant Director for Offices of COO and CHROKingston Hall909.607.4096hphillips@hmc.edu

  • Partners with the VP/COO and AVP-CHRO to manage special projects and initiatives, drafting policies, and preparing communications.
  • Serves as a backup administrator for the College-issued purchase cards program and providing guidance to departments.
  • Partners with the VP/COO and AVP-CHRO for annual programs.
  • Supports the College’s remote work program.
  • Provides ad-hoc HR support, as directed by the AVP-CHRO regarding recruitment, employee relations and compliance.
  • Collaborate with HR team on strategic projects.
Miguel Zuniga

Miguel Zuniga

Human Resources Employment ManagerKingston Hall909.607.4159mzuniga@hmc.edu

  • Manages recruitment, onboarding, and employment administration to ensure a seamless hiring experience.
  • Supports hiring managers with job descriptions, staffing needs, and compensation analysis.
  • Oversees employment changes, offboarding, and exit interview trend analysis for retention insights.
  • Leads compliance efforts, including unemployment claims, temporary employment, and initial performance reviews.
Garren Lee

Garren Lee

Technical and Strategic Initiative Specialist for Offices of COO and CHROKingston Hall909.607.2889garlee@hmc.edu

  • Enhance functionality of the College’s Workday HCM system to improve efficiency and user experience.
  • Conduct data analysis and process reviews to drive operational improvements.
  • Partner with DCO leadership to implement new technologies and improve workflows.
  • Ensure strategic initiatives are completed on time and aligned with institutional goals.
  • Provide strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Catharyne Magro

Catharyne Magro

Human Resources GeneralistKingston Hall909.607.4096cmagro@hmc.edu

  • Administers training programs, coordinates HR events and manages online learning platforms to support the College’s strategic goals and employee growth.
  • Organizes staff engagement initiatives and manages internal communications, including newsletters and event announcements.
  • Supports essential HR programs such as benefit enrollment and performance management.
  • Partners closely with the AVP-CHRO to enhance HR communications to foster a strong community connection.
  • Contributes to the development of the HR Playbook to streamline processes, maintain consistency, and implement best practices across HR operations.
José Barajas, MBA

José Barajas, MBA

HR Analyst & GeneralistKingston Hall909.607.6531jbarajas@hmc.edu

  • Coordinates the Workday HRIS design/configuration, maintenance, and administration in support of HR strategy.
  • Collects and interpret data for HR and compensation surveys and partner with members of HR and the Office of Financial Affairs to perform data analysis.
  • Partners with AVP-CHRO to lead the technical administration for the annual performance management and salary increase programs.
  • Provides a broad range of support related to compensation and benefits, employee relations, HRIS, payroll, policy administration, training and development, and special projects.
Sophie Hernandez

Sophie Hernandez

HR/Payroll AdministratorKingston Hall909.607.2729sohernandez@hmc.edu

  • Administers payroll for faculty, staff and student workers, including managing the Special Payment Authorization (SPA) function on campus.
  • Processes payroll changes related to leave of absences, including FMLA, medical leave, and other types of employee leave, in partnership with other HR team members.
  • Coordinates and administer student employment programs, including recruitment and payroll processing.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for Workday Time Tracking and Absence Management system, providing support and troubleshooting.
  • Partners with the AVP-CHRO in developing and delivering HR training sessions for the community on HR and payroll compliance requirements in collaboration with HR team members.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for Worker’s Compensation, in collaboration with TCCS.
Elsa Barboza

Elsa Barboza

Human Resources CoordinatorKingston Hall909.607.9700ebarboza@hmc.edu

  • Serves as the primary point of contact, providing excellent customer service to employees, students and external constituents.
  • Supports HR functions, including benefits, recruitment, onboarding, and training.
  • Maintains employee records, coordinates meetings, and assists with payroll.
  • Handles employment inquiries, verification of employments, background checks, and compliance matters.
  • Collaborates with internal teams and ensures confidentiality in HR processes.