Centreville, Virginia Jul 14, 2021 (Issuewire.com) - After nearly fifty years of leading human resources organizations, Darryl Varnado retired on June 30 from Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Varnado served as the Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Children's National Hospital during the past nine years. In an inscription on a framed gift of art, President and CEO Dr. Kurt Newman stated, "Your leadership has fundamentally changed our HR operations for the better. You have led the recruitment and retention of top talent and mentored numerous professionals at Children's National Hospital helping them to advance their careers. Children's National is a national asset because of your many contributions."
Varnado began his career at the University of Colorado, his alma mater. He led human resources teams at the Adolph Coors Company, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Coca-Cola Company, US Airways, Inc., the Nature Conservancy, Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises (CTE), and the University of Colorado Hospital Authority prior to joining Children's National Hospital. In 2016, Varnado was recognized as a Minority Business Leader by the Washington Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/print-edition/2016/02/26/darryl-varnado.html
Varnado was also selected in 2019 as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of the Year, by HRO Today: 2019 CHRO OF THE YEAR LEADERS OF DISTINCTION AND WINNERS - HRO Today Forum
These prestigious honors highlight Varnado's contribution to Children's National Hospital, including:
- Implemented the HR Business Partner model, which provided a strategic partner and primary point of contact to managers and their business units
- Launched a paid parental leave policy
- Created the "Leader Academy" and the "Rising Leader Program" to help employees attain skills and advance in their careers
- Developed a workforce management model to ensure appropriate staffing and structure, resulting in labor expense savings.
Upon reflection, Varnado said, "I was hired to re-engineer the human resources function. Having been challenged and committed to making a positive impact, I am quite satisfied that I have met that challenge and more with the support of a great team of professional and caring individuals. My position on the Executive Team has been a mix of hard work and tempered discipline, coupled with a strategic number of soul-searching moments and light-hearted smiles." His ongoing message to his team was, "Stay focused on the work. Don't go chasing waterfalls."
At a reception held at Children's National Research & Innovation Campus in Washington D.C., the common theme shared throughout the evening was Varnado's impeccable leadership and unfailing determination to uplift and mentor others. Mayor Pete Panepinto of Hammond, Louisiana--Varnado's hometown--stated in a letter of commendation, "I also thank you for being an advocate and mentor as you have uplifted others with genuine guidance and concern for their professional growth and success. I know you will continue that selfless effort in retirement... Let this letter acknowledge Hammond's pride in your accomplishments, as we are always pleased to know that our citizens achieved their goals in life wherever they may reside."
Following the remarks by Children's National executives and colleagues, Varnado's sister--bestselling poet and author Zaneta Varnado Johns--presented a moving poem entitled, "The Man You See." Her tribute echoed the values expressed by many others, painting a profound picture of Varnado's life and distinguished career. Tears and smiles filled the terrace as colleagues nodded in agreement with every word shared.
In his heartfelt closing remarks, Varnado lauded the hospital's national standings, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve, and extended immense credit to his parents, team, and colleagues. Darryl Varnado resides in Centreville, Virginia and intends to literally chase many waterfalls in retirement.
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