Amber Blashak

She/Her/Hers

Senior Director of Human Resources

Human Resources — Office of the Executive Vice President

About Amber

Human Resources leads the strategic imperative for talent and is responsible for distinguishing Chautauqua Institution as an “employer of choice” on a national stage. I serve as the inaugural director of human resources with strategic and operational oversight of Talent Management, Workforce Planning, Total Rewards, and Compliance for the Institution with cross-functional commitments to technology solutions and IDEA.

I have deep experience overseeing this total function and, specifically, for organizations recruiting talent in high volume for seasonal operations. Prior to the Institution, I was hired to build the Human Resources department for Peek ‘n Peak Resort when Scott Enterprises purchased the property in October 2011. I was recognized as Leader of the Year 2017 and Manager of the Year 2016 by Scott Enterprises. In my early career, I worked as a recruitment manager for West Corporation starting in 2007.

I graduated from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with my master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2006. I’m an active member of the Society of Human Resources nationally and regionally and have attended National Conferences for Human Resources and Talent Strategy. In 2015, I was certified as a Human Resources Professional and continued my education to recertify in 2019. I also completed a certificate program for Strategic Human Resources Leadership at Cornell University in 2019.

Why did you choose to work at Chautauqua? What do you like about working at Chautauqua?

The role of Human Resources in any organization is to be a strategic business partner, trusted advisor, thought leader, and, at the core, a manager of people. Chautauqua Institution’s culture and values are uniquely focused on recruiting and retaining diverse talent. We are a tapestry of life-long learners, entrepreneurial spirits, creatives and innovators, and collaborative industry leaders with a vibrant enthusiasm for the delivery of our mission. The Institution’s culture and its people were the catalysts accepting this pivotal career opportunity as human resources director in June 2018.

Current and Former Volunteer or Board Roles

I served as Board President for the ‘Promise to Care Fund’ 501(c)(3) at Scott Enterprises until my departure in 2018. I was trained for board service by the Non-Profit Partnership and served on the Board of Directors for the Barber National Institute in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Professional Affiliations

Society of Human Resources Professionals, National and Buffalo Chapters.

Personal Interests

While I’ve invested my career in western New York, I reside in Erie, Pennsylvania. I’m an outdoor adventurer in all seasons: hiking, running, cross-country skiing, hunting and swimming, with a (still going) New Year’s resolution to visit each national park. I’m a chef at home and a traveler at heart who seeks new experiences in culinary and outdoor destinations.