Chari Young

Chari became the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Senior Vice Chancellor for Human Resources in August 2024.  As CHRO, Chari is responsible for the strategic direction and operations of the human resources teams on all University of Kansas campuses. In this newly created role, Chari will be responsible for developing a comprehensive, progressive, innovative, efficient, and collaborative one-university HR organization that supports a culture of engagement, making the University of Kansas an employer of choice where everyone can maximize their potential and make discoveries that change the world.

Prior to accepting the CHRO role, Chari served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at KU Medical Center since February 2015.  Chari previously joined the general counsel's office at KU in December 2012. She is admitted to the bars in both Kansas and Missouri.  

Chari has extensive previous experience in the practice of employment law, including advising employers on human resources issues, conducting investigations, and defending administrative claims and litigation. Before joining KU, Chari practiced law in Kansas City, Mo., with Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin (now Husch Blackwell) from 1999 to 2003; with Seyferth, Blumenthal & Harris, LLC from 2006 to 2007; and with HROI, LLC (a subsidiary of Lathrop & Gage), from October 2007 to December 2012. Additionally, Chari served as law clerk to the Hon. Carlos Murguia at the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, Kansas City, Kan., from August 2003 to August 2006. Chari has a Bachelor of Arts in education and English from the University of Tulsa. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Law where she served on the UMKC Law Review and The Urban Lawyer.