Neva Burke Hawes serves as Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). Neva brings more than 35 years of human resources leadership experience across manufacturing, higher education and complex, multi-site operations.
Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Human Resources for BlueOval SK, where she helped build HR functions from the ground up and lead strategy for a growing workforce of more than 6,000 employees supporting large-scale electric battery production across Tennessee and Kentucky.
Throughout her career, Neva has held key HR leadership roles with organizations including Ford Motor Company, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and Thomas & Betts/ABB. Her experience spans labor relations, executive leadership support, mergers and acquisitions and culture-building during times of transformation. She has led major initiatives ranging from national union negotiations and serving as a chief spokesperson at the bargaining table to integrating organizations and establishing HR operations for evolving businesses.
A West Tennessee native, Neva is also deeply committed to community engagement. She has spent years mentoring and developing young women through leadership and dance programs, helping guide many toward college and future success.
Memphis, TN 38103