Whitley Werts sees leadership as an energy, one that draws people in, builds trust, and creates meaningful change.
A graduate of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with a degree in human resources, Werts has built a career using a people-first leadership style focused on community impact and continual growth.
In 2025, that work was recognized when Werts was named one of Providence Business News’ 40 Under 40 award winners, an honor celebrating professionals who are making a measurable difference in their organizations and communities. Now serving as Chief Human Resources Officer at R.I. Housing and Mortgage Finance Corp., Werts brings her experience and leadership style to create a workplace where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Soft Skills Development Leads to Strong Relationships
Earning a 40 Under 40 distinction didn’t come from a single moment, but from years of consistent leadership and relationship-building. Werts attributes the recognition to a combination of skills that allowed her to move ideas into action while keeping people at the center of the work. “Winning a 40 Under 40 award came from a blend of strong leadership, innovative problem-solving, measurable impact, and the ability to build meaningful relationships,” she says.
At the core of that success is the ability to set a clear vision and follow through with intention.
“[The award] reflected my capacity to set a vision, execute it effectively, and deliver results that genuinely move the community and the company forward,” Werts adds.
That approach reflects the heart of human resources leadership: balancing strategy with empathy, and outcomes with the well-being of others in mind.
Leading with Values First
Werts looks to her partner when she seeks leadership inspiration, someone whose example shapes her every day.
“My partner is the kind of leader I genuinely look up to, someone who leads with integrity, compassion, and quiet strength,” she says.
Watching that leadership in action has influenced how Werts shows up in her own work and relationships.
“Watching the way they navigate challenges, support the people around them, and stay true to their values inspires me every day,” she says. “Their example pushes me to grow, to think more deeply, and to show up as my best self.”
For Werts, leadership isn’t performative. It’s lived; in the way people handle adversity, treat others, and remain grounded in their values.
RELATED: BUILDING PEOPLE-FIRST STRATEGIES
Building a Career by Building People Up
Looking ahead, Werts’ long-term goals extend beyond professional advancement. While she plans to continue growing in the field, her broader vision centers on service, inspiration, and mentorship.
“My long-term goals are to find ways to give back to the community, inspire others, especially young women, continue working in human resources, and become a motivational speaker,” she says. “I want to help others see their full potential.”
That commitment to helping others recognize their own worth and ability, in both the workplace and in their communities, is a throughline in her leadership philosophy, and one she actively works to model herself.
Keeping a Growth Mindset
Werts’ dedication to growth remains strong, even as a top leader in her industry. She was recently accepted into the Leadership Rhode Island 2026 cohort program, where she plans to further develop both personally and professionally.
“I plan to enhance my personal and professional development, promote self-awareness and growth, and connect with aspiring leaders and industry professionals,” she says.
She also credits the NSLS with helping her better understand herself as a leader during an important phase of her journey.
“The NSLS has helped me become a stronger leader by fostering leadership development and engaging with a community of like-minded individuals,” Werts says. “It empowers me to understand my own patterns, strengths, blind spots, triggers, and values.”
That self-awareness has become foundational to how she defines leadership today.
“Leadership, to me, is less about titles and more about the kind of gravity a person creates around them,” she says. “It’s the ability to set a direction, communicate it clearly, and inspire people to want to move with you, not because they have to, but because they trust you and feel seen by you.”
Whitley’s Advice for Future Leaders
For Werts, effective leadership begins with presence and humility.
“Listen more than you speak. And listen to understand, not to respond,” she says.
One piece of advice Werts received continues to resonate deeply for her, and would also for anyone navigating self-doubt or hesitation.
“If you think about your own journey, there’s probably something you’ve been wanting to do but felt unsure, unprepared, or not ‘enough’ for,” she says. “That advice is a reminder that you don’t need permission or perfection. You just need a first step.”
Despite a cancer diagnosis, this nursing leader from La Salle University continued to take that step forward in her academics and career, helping make an impact on those fighting just like her.
