Ms. Claudia A. Cross is the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer and its Director of Human Capital Management.  At the Department, she is directly responsible for the management and execution of the Department’s human resource policies and programs and was DOE’s first Chief Human Capital Officer, serving in that capacity until the appointment of Dr. Jeff Pon to that position on January 9, 2006.   She began her Federal career as an Intern with the Navy in 1975 and has risen through the ranks to the Senior Executive Service.

Ms. Cross has served in various capacities in the human resources arena for over thirty years and is recognized as one of the leading experts in human capital management, HR Operations and Executive Resources in the Federal Government.

In her current position, Ms. Cross serves as a senior advisor to the top managers in the Department regarding the development, management and coordination of agency wide programs and initiatives such as the HR approach to competitive sourcing, workforce planning, knowledge management, succession planning,  corporate mentoring, labor management relations and revamped supervisory and SES performance appraisal systems.   Her approach has been to integrate the strategic management of human capital throughout all areas to ensure it reflects program office mission related objectives and goals in partnership with the Department’s management and the diversity and training communities.   Ms. Cross is leading the implementation and expansion of numerous initiatives in e-gov within the HR community including the Department’s transition to a Government-wide on-line learning system and participation in the Federal HR Line of Business initiative.  She has reorganized and matrixed her organization to meet the ever new and demanding challenges of human resources within a downsizing environment and is in the process of leading and revamping her organization to meet senior management and workplace needs.  In addition, Ms. Cross’ continued leadership of the Department’s human capital initiative within President Bush’s Management Agenda has resulted in a sustained score of “Green” in both progress and status from the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget.

Ms. Cross has been recognized for her performance over her career with numerous awards, including the Department of Energy’s Meritorious Service Award and two Presidential Rank Awards.  In addition, she was selected as the International Personnel Management Association’s 2004 HR Professional of the Year.  She earned a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Temple University in 1973.  Ms. Cross is married and lives with her husband and their son in Columbia, MD.

Last Reviewed: 3/8/2007