About
Dr. Sarah
Toutant
PhD, SHRM-SCP · HR Executive · Scholar-Practitioner · Speaker
PhD, SHRM-SCP · HR Executive · Scholar-Practitioner · Speaker
I'm Dr. Sarah Toutant, a people-centered HR leader with a PhD from USC Rossier, SHRM-SCP certification, and 10+ years building high-performing organizations, shaping workforce strategy, and leading human capital transformation across nonprofit, higher education, and consulting environments.
I believe the way an organization treats its people is its most honest statement of values. That belief drives everything I do as an HR executive. I currently serve as Director of People, Culture and Development at Child Care Resource Center (CCRC), a mission-driven nonprofit with 1,300+ employees across multiple sites in LA, supporting the full HR enterprise while serving as a key thought partner to executive leadership on the intersection of people and organizational performance.
My background is a little unconventional, and I think that's a strength. I spent six years at USC in talent development and organizational effectiveness, serving as a people partner to CHROs and senior university leaders before moving into enterprise HR leadership. My academic foundation shapes how I lead: curious, grounded in evidence, and oriented toward real outcomes.
Outside my day-to-day role, I serve as Co-Director of Programs for the National Human Resources Association, elected by peers to shape the national learning agenda for HR professionals across the country.
My north star: building organizations where people are not just supported, they are positioned to thrive.
PhD. Co-created the syllabus, developed readings and assignments, taught class sessions, and managed course operations and grading for graduate-level students.
PhD-level mandatory course. Revised curriculum, facilitated discussions, and supported students in developing policy solutions for K-12 schools, community colleges, and four-year institutions.
A four-part national professional learning experience for university search committees. Administered the online experience for over 400 professionals across the United States.
Hoffman, J., and Toutant, S. (2018). In Contexts for Diversity and Gender Identities in Higher Education: International Perspectives on Equity and Inclusion (pp. 155-168). Emerald Publishing Limited.
Tynes, B., Schuschke, J., Kim, A., Stewart, A., Toutant, S. (2017). Los Angeles: University of Southern California Center for Empowered Learning and Development with Technology.