Fractional CHROs in Atlanta Making Things Happen in 2025

Atlanta Interim Chief People Officers to Know

At Digital Reference, we believe professionals should be seen as more than just résumés. Our mission is to bring radical transparency and authenticity to the talent ecosystem—making it easier for the world to understand what professionals actually do and what they’re capable of. One way we bring that to life is by curating regional spotlights on standout fractional executives who are shaping the future of work.

This blog is dedicated to the Fractional Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) making an impact in Atlanta and the greater metro area. From strategic people leadership to hands-on HR advisory, these professionals are redefining how companies build culture, scale talent operations, and navigate the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

Our methodology for selection includes research into online presence, independent practice or small firm leadership, regional proximity, and ongoing activity in the HR leadership space. This is a living list that will be updated over time as we meet new professionals shaping the industry.

Sherika Ekpo

shawekpoenterprises.com/about-4
Sherika Ekpo is a powerhouse in human capital and workforce transformation. The founder of ShaWekpo Enterprises, she brings more than two decades of global HR and DEI leadership to fast-growth organizations. Her Atlanta-based consultancy is known for embedding equity and belonging into the DNA of businesses. Sherika’s impact is felt across industries—from tech to government—and she continues to champion people-first leadership strategies.

Wendy Smith

linkedin.com/in/wendy-smith-b5ab224
Wendy Smith is a veteran HR executive who blends corporate rigor with entrepreneurial agility. With deep experience in HR operations, talent acquisition, and organizational development, Wendy operates as a trusted advisor to startups and established firms alike. Her work in Atlanta spans sectors and her style is grounded in building trust and accelerating people-centric change.

Trisha Earls

linkedin.com/in/trisha-earls-ab94254
Trisha Earls brings decades of strategic HR and operational leadership to her fractional CHRO practice. She has held senior roles across Fortune 500 companies and now helps scaling companies build the right foundations for growth. Based in Atlanta, Trisha is particularly passionate about aligning business objectives with human capital initiatives that are practical, inclusive, and scalable.

Kevin Finke

experiencewillow.com
Kevin Finke is the founder of Experience Willow, a people-centered design and culture transformation agency. As a fractional CPO/CHRO, Kevin helps companies reimagine the employee experience through the lens of creativity, empathy, and brand alignment. Based in Atlanta, his consultancy has worked with some of the most recognizable brands to create culture programs that stick.

Stacy Cullinan

linkedin.com/in/stacy-cullinan
With a career focused on organizational effectiveness and HR transformation, Stacy Cullinan partners with leadership teams to modernize their people practices. Whether advising on succession planning or revamping performance systems, Stacy’s expertise lies in helping companies evolve without losing sight of their core values. Based in the Atlanta area, she supports clients nationwide.

Why Digital Reference Features Fractional CHROs

Fractional executives represent the shift in how modern businesses access leadership talent. Instead of relying solely on full-time hires, companies are turning to flexible, on-demand talent to drive strategic initiatives forward. CHROs—often the cultural architects of an organization—play a crucial role in this evolution.

At Digital Reference, we aim to make the talent ecosystem more efficient by helping professionals showcase their value, collect validated references, and build curated portfolios that move beyond static résumés. Our curated directories highlight professionals who are not just experts—but recognized and respected in their fields.

Looking Ahead

As the future of work continues to evolve, the need for agile HR leadership will only grow. Atlanta’s business landscape—from startups to legacy firms—relies on trusted advisors like these fractional CHROs to navigate everything from compliance to culture.

We’ll continue adding to this list and welcome recommendations from the community. If you or someone you know should be featured, let us know.

Stay connected with Digital Reference to follow more spotlights across roles and regions.

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Looking for other Fractional Leadership?

Find Fractional CMOs here.

Find Fractional CTOs here.

Find Fractional CFOs here.

Find Fractional COOs here.

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