MSA today announced the promotion of Cynthia Prest, PHR, SHRM-CP, ACC, to the position of chief people officer, building upon her expertise as the firm’s director of human resources to attract, retain, support and empower current and future employee owners at the firm.

Prest joined MSA in 2019 with over 18 years of human resources and organizational development experience. She plays a key role in developing and executing human resource strategy, organizational design, employee relations, succession planning, talent acquisition, performance management, professional development and instructional design efforts. Cynthia also leads a team of human resources professionals and serves as co-chair on the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion council.

Cynthia Prest earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, North Carolina. She is also a certified Inclusion Institute Diversity Practitioner and certified professional life coach.

“I’m privileged to welcome Cynthia to the role of chief people officer at MSA,” commented Gil Hantzsch, CEO. “Cynthia’s passion for her work and genuine care for the health and well-being of our organization and people is extraordinary. She is a true leader, collaborator and guide in an employee-ownership culture dedicated to putting people first. I congratulate and welcome Cynthia to this new role.”