NSF's Chief Human Capital Officer – Wonzie Gardner

Has your approach to leadership and organizational culture evolved? Navigating these areas can be challenging—especially with the rapid changes in today’s workforce and work environments.

In this episode, I sit down with Wonzie Gardner to explore the complexities of modern leadership and organizational dynamics. Together, we dive into critical areas that are reshaping the work culture landscape, all to benefit you:

• Personal Influence and Values: Wonzie reflects on how his father’s servant leadership shaped his own approach, offering a powerful perspective on leading with purpose.
• Community and Connection: We discuss the importance of maintaining strong personal connections, even in a hybrid work world where face-to-face interactions are fading.
• HR’s Evolving Role: As remote work and the pandemic continue to reshape the workplace, we delve into how HR can support both employee well-being and organizational goals.
• Transparency and Vulnerability: Wonzie opens up about the value of authentic leadership and shares personal challenges that helped him build a supportive, transparent workplace culture.
• Future of Work: We tackle the delicate balance between physical and virtual workspaces, and the ongoing efforts to create a sustainable and cohesive organizational culture.
  
  Enjoy the wisdom and insights from one of my favorite leaders, Wonzie Gardner!

About Wonzie:

Wonzie Gardner serves as the Office Head and Chief Human Capital Officer in the Office of Information and Resource Management (OIRM) at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

In this position, Mr. Gardner coordinates agency-wide administrative and general management activities while providing leadership and direction for human resources, information systems, and administrative services at NSF, ensuring all organizations within OIRM work in unison to support the agency and its customers.

In August 2018, Mr. Gardner was appointed as the NSF Director of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). In this capacity, he reports directly to the NSF Director and is responsible for carrying out the Foundation's OSDBU functions and duties in accordance with the Small Business Act and Federal Acquisition Regulation.

Wonzie joined NSF as the Deputy Division Director for the Division of Administrative Services (DAS) in November 2014. In May 2016, he was appointed Division Director for DAS. Starting in January 2018, Mr. Gardner served as both Acting Deputy Office Head and Acting Office Head for OIRM. In February 2019, Mr. Gardner was selected as OIRM Office Head.

Prior to coming to NSF, Wonzie Gardner served as the director for Logistics and Facilities Management at the Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service. He has a distinguished military career, retiring as a U.S. Air Force Colonel in August 2010 and as the Inspector General for the Air Force District of Washington.