Michael Rodriguez is a seasoned HR leader with a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in human resources management, employee relations, organizational development, and DEI strategy. He currently serves as the Manager, People Operations / HR Liaison in the School of Science & Engineering.  During his time with Tulane, he has made a significant impact by developing training programs, driving process improvements, and offering valuable insights into employee relations and performance management. Michael’s ability to deliver innovative People solutions is evident in his success in saving the university significant time and costs through his work on performance evaluation programs and exit interview data.

In addition to his role at Tulane University, Michael is the Founder and Managing Consultant at Peregrine Group, where he provides HR advisory services to executive teams, front-line managers, and employees. His expertise includes embedding DEI strategies into organizations, improving employee experiences, and enhancing workforce solutions.

Before his current roles, Michael worked at Unilever as an HR Business Partner, where he led initiatives in performance management, employee relations, and compensation. He successfully partnered with leadership to drive diversity and inclusion strategies and played a key role in tracking talent trends and advising on strategic HR decisions. Additionally, Michael has held significant roles at CenturyLink and IBM, where he supported global HR initiatives, employee engagement, and organizational development.

Michael holds a Master’s in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University, a Bachelor's in Psychology from Rutgers University, and is currently pursuing an MBA from Tulane University. He is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and a Certified Leadership & Resilience Coach, furtherdemonstrating his commitment to continuous professional growth.

Known for his pragmatic approach and strategic thinking, Michael is a trusted HR leader who excels in building strong relationships, driving business results, and fostering organizational growth.

Certifications

• Certified Leadership & Resilience Coach

• Senior Professional Human Resources

Organizations

• Member: Society for Human Resources

• Member: La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda, Fraternity, Inc.

Recent Service Roles

2024 – 2025

• Mentor: My Brothers Keeper Program

• Program Information:  Via the  Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), the My Brother's KeeperProgram is dedicated to empowering BIPOC male students both undergraduate and graduate at Tulane University through a comprehensive approach to their development. One key aspect of the program is mentorship, where we connect these students with dedicated mentors who provide invaluable guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their academic journey. 

• The program also prioritizes academic excellence by offering a range of resources, including tutoring and study groups, to help students excel in their coursework. Beyond academics, MBK is committed to fostering personal growth, providing opportunities for personal development, leadership training, and character-building. Moreover, MBK aims to create a sense of belonging by cultivating a supportive and inclusive community that celebrates diversity and promotes cultural understanding. Lastly, MBK actively encourages civic engagement, empowering ourstudents to participate in their communities and address social issues, making a positive impact on society as a whole.