Kathy Abbott

As senior vice president of people at Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI), Kathy Abbott oversees all people-focused programs, initiatives and deliverables, in addition to corporate communications and marketing. Her organization manages talent acquisition and development, total rewards, employee relations, culture and engagement, executive development and wellness programs.

During her 30-year career at CEI, Abbott has worked for several different departments where she learned about aspects of payroll, production, safety, administration and worker’s compensation. Her vast knowledge of CEI’s union and non-union workforce has honed her ability to navigate unique and challenging situations during key periods of company growth. 

Prior to becoming senior VP of People at CEI, Abbott was director of the company’s HR Business Partner and People Relations teams. She played a major role in CEI’s performance management and development efforts and single-handedly launched the company’s college recruiting/intern/new-graduate program, now known as the University Relations Program. Abbott is a culture and community champion who manages the Cristo Rey San José Corporate Work Study Program that provides students from underrepresented communities a rigorous college prep education and unique work study opportunity at CEI.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Seattle University and an HR Executive Development certificate from the Community for Strategic HR Partnerships (CSHRP).

Education

Seattle University, B.A. in History

Years of Experience

Industry: 33 
CEI: 33