2023 40 Under 40 Honoree: Christopher Cavendish (38)
“HR shepherds someone through the recruiting process … You get to validate someone’s skills and talent — all of the things they’ve ever worked for. To be part of those conversations, those moments are [magical].”
Christopher Cavendish
Human Resources Manager, Allegheny County Health Department
After reading a quote in his former Frick ISA middle-school pamphlet about “only having so much time to make a difference,” Christopher Cavendish ripped out the page and looked at it daily.
He tried to fulfill this mission as he went on to Central Catholic High School. Years later, he heard former Heinz Endowments president Grant Oliphant repeat that sentiment in a Leadership Pittsburgh speech.
Cavendish says he has a “profound urge” to give back, which motivates him; it’s why he’s involved in causes such as Job Corps’ Community Workforce Council.
In his day job with the Allegheny County Health Department, he streamlined HR processes (going paperless, for example, freed up the team’s time).
Last year, the health department placed talent from multiple countries and 15 states into varying job levels; 2022 saw the most hires, most applications and a 41% decrease in time-to-fill.
