Senior vice president of people and business partnerships at Advocate Health brings 30 years of HR leadership
MILWAUKEE — Troy Dennhof, senior vice president of people and business partnerships at Advocate Health, has been named Marquette University’s next vice president for human resources, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Joel Pogodzinski announced today. Dennhof, who brings over 30 years of progressive leadership experience in human resources and operations, succeeds Claudia Paetsch, who announced her retirement in January. He will begin in his new role on Monday, Sept. 15.
Dennhof has led human resources functions at some of Milwaukee’s largest and most respected companies, including Advocate Health (the parent company of Aurora Health Care), Johnson Controls Inc., and MillerCoors/Miller Brewing Company. His experience spans multiple facets of the HR discipline, including leading business partners, talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, compensation and benefits, and HR systems.
“Troy has demonstrated immense ability to lead complex organizational change, foster inclusive and engaging workplace cultures and champion talent programs that improve employee engagement and retention,” Pogodzinski said. “Guided by a steadfast commitment to building strong relationships, a deep appreciation for education and lifelong learning, and a dedication to data-informed transformation, his approach aligns seamlessly with Marquette’s vision to stand among the world’s most accomplished and innovative Catholic, Jesuit universities.”
As vice president for human resources, Dennhof will work in close partnership with the EVP/COO to provide a strategic vision that complements the Marquette 2031 Strategic Plan, Guided by Mission, Inspired to Change, while ensuring a high level of innovation, transparency, collaboration and accountability in support of Marquette’s Catholic and Jesuit mission and its nearly 4,000 faculty and staff employees.
Dennhof has served in multiple roles over 11 years at Advocate Heath, most recently as senior vice president for people and business partnerships since 2023. He led and engaged a team of professionals specializing in serving as human resource business partners, teammate and labor relations, and employee health and safety. Advocate Health is among the nation’s largest integrated health care organizations.
His previous experience at the company includes roles as system vice president, total rewards, HR systems and administration; system vice president, human resources, Wisconsin and System Medical Group; and senior vice president, human resources, Aurora Health Care.
“I am grateful and honored to be selected to lead the human resources function at Marquette University, which has such a strong reputation for academic excellence and community impact,” Dennhof said. “After more than a decade in the healthcare sector, I am energized by the opportunity to take on a new challenge at a mission-driven, values-based organization like Marquette.”
Prior to Advocate Health, Dennhof was an HR executive leader for Johnson Controls’ North American building efficiency business. He was recognized with the Johnson Controls Global Innovation Award for HR transformation. At MillerCoors, Dennhof provided executive-level HR leadership for company-wide commercial and general and administrative functions.
Dennhof earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Dennhof has served on and is currently involved with multiple boards, including the Milwaukee Area Technical College Foundation, the American Family Field Stadium District, Disability IN: Wisconsin, Habitat for Humanity of Wisconsin, and serves as an advisor for Notre Dame School of Milwaukee.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
