Michael A. Hammer
Responsibilities
- HR Administration & Operations
- Employee Engagement
- Labor and Employee Relations
- Organizational Development
- Performance Management and Coaching
- Employee Investigations and Compliance
- Salary Administration
- Staff Exit Interviews
- HR Website Management
About
Michael (Mike) Hammer serves as Human Resources Manager for Columbia Engineering, where he leads and optimizes human resources operations to support the school’s strategic goals. In this role, Mike is responsible for a broad range of HR functions, including HR administration & operations, managing labor and employee relations, performance management, salary administration, employee investigations, and exit interview processes. Mike provides consultation to develop innovative solutions that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee satisfaction, while ensuring compliance with university policies.
As a trusted advisor to department managers, Mike offers guidance on addressing complex personnel challenges, implementing performance management strategies, and fostering positive employee relations. He oversees critical HR systems and processes, driving improvements in timekeeping, payroll, and personnel administration. Mike plays a pivotal role in welcoming new employees by managing the New Hire Orientation program, ensuring a seamless and engaging onboarding experience that aligns with Columbia Engineering’s values and expectations. He also manages and updates the School’s HR website, ensuring it remains a user-friendly and comprehensive resource for staff, faculty, and leadership.
A passionate advocate for employee engagement, Mike collaborates on initiatives and programs that foster well-being, recognition, and retention. He works to promote a positive work environment and alignment with the School’s strategic HR goals.
Prior to his current role, Mike served as a Human Resources Generalist at Columbia Engineering, where he supported onboarding, policy implementation, TLAM/PAC inquiries, and student casual transactions. Before joining Columbia, he gained valuable experience as a Human Resources Associate and Recruiter at Integra Managed Care, supporting over 300 employees with onboarding and recruitment. Earlier in his career, Mike served as a Labor Relations Intern at Walt Disney World, where he worked on grievances and arbitrations for a workforce of over 38,000 unionized employees.
Education
Mike earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University in 2019. He is currently pursuing his Master of Science degree in Human Capital Management at Columbia School of Professional Studies and received his Society for Human Resources Management - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification in July 2024.