As the Vice President of Human Resources (HR), Suzanne Nikolaus is responsible for operational and strategic leadership of HR practices, policies, and programs that align people operations with organizational priorities and goals. She partners with business leaders to provide solutions-oriented insight and guidance that drives effectiveness, continuous improvement, client satisfaction, and mission success.
Suzanne brings over 20 years of HR experience, which includes leadership roles with multiple firms in the Washington DC, area. She previously served as Xcelerate’s first Director of Human Resources and HR Director for Celerity IT, LLC for 6 years. As an experienced HR practitioner, she has managed and contributed to all areas of HR operations including policy development, benefits management, compensation, training, employee and organizational development, legal compliance, employee relations, performance management, communications, HR Information Systems (HRIS), and recruiting. Prior to Xcelerate, Suzanne held positions with both commercial entities and federal contractors in the IT and management consulting, aerospace engineering, and electric utility fields, including multi-office and multi-state operations. Her experience includes immigration and export compliance as well as business operations management, project administration, and community relations.
Additionally, Suzanne serves as Assistant Facility Security Officer for Xcelerate and possesses over 10 years of experience in facility security, developing and managing industrial and personnel security programs and operations across IT consulting, satellite communications, and cybersecurity industries.
Suzanne holds a graduate Human Resources Management Certificate from the University of Virginia and a degree in Medical Administration. She holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification and has extensive training in HR and industrial security.
Suzanne and her family reside in Telluride, Colorado.