Since joining the Foundation, Valladares has played an essential role in helping to align HR strategy with the Foundation's organizational values and supporting UVA's mission. Her leadership has helped strengthen a workplace culture focused on collaboration, service excellence, and professional growth.

“Courtney's background in both higher education and nonprofit leadership uniquely positions her to support the Foundation's people and programs in meaningful, mission-aligned ways. We are pleased to have Courtney in this expanded role," said incoming UVA Foundation CEO Deborah van Eersel.

Valladares has served as an instructor at Pepperdine University, CSU Northridge, and currently Piedmont Virginia Community College, and has shared her expertise as a guest speaker at the University of Virginia School of Architecture and the Virginia Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) State Conference. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Charlottesville SHRM chapter and holds a SHRM-CP certification.

Originally from the southwest, Valladares earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in communication studies from California State University, Northridge, before transitioning to human resources leadership.

"I'm honored to take on this expanded role and continue supporting the Foundation's mission," said Valladares. "Our team's dedication to fostering a collaborative workplace that enables everyone to do their best work in service of UVA is what makes this organization special."