Building People-First Leadership: Collin Gehl’s Journey Through HR, Purpose, And Community Impact

By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo

June 2nd

Some careers are carefully mapped out from the beginning. Others evolve through curiosity, relationships, and a willingness to say yes to opportunity.

On this episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Collin Gehl, Chief Human Resources Officer at Say Yes Buffalo, to discuss his unconventional path into HR, the importance of career development, and how people-first leadership can transform organizations and communities alike.

Filmed at the Say Yes Buffalo office, the conversation highlights not only Collin’s professional journey, but also the mission-driven culture that continues to make an impact across Western New York.

An Unconventional Path Into Human Resources

Collin’s career did not begin in HR.

After earning his degree in English from the University at Buffalo, he worked across education administration, nonprofit fundraising, museum management, and organizational leadership before eventually discovering his passion for human resources.

A turning point came when he enrolled in a graduate program focused on organizational leadership. The experience gave him a deeper understanding of how organizations function and helped shape the leadership philosophy he carries today.

That path eventually led him to Child & Family Services, where he entered a management fellowship program that exposed him to multiple departments across the organization. During one of his rotations in HR, leadership recognized his natural ability to connect with people and navigate organizational dynamics.

What started as an opportunity in recruiting and talent acquisition quickly evolved into a full career in HR leadership.

Finding Purpose at Say Yes Buffalo

Collin’s connection to Say Yes Buffalo actually began long before he officially joined the organization.

While working at Child & Family Services, he supported Say Yes through recruiting, onboarding, and HR partnership work as the organization expanded. Over time, he built strong relationships with employees and leadership alike.

Eventually, Say Yes leadership requested Collin specifically to become their dedicated HR partner.

That transition became the beginning of something much bigger.

Today, as Chief Human Resources Officer, Collin helps lead an organization focused on improving educational outcomes and career opportunities for Buffalo and Niagara Falls students through scholarships, workforce development, student support services, and community partnerships.

Since launching in Buffalo, Say Yes has helped contribute to a significant increase in local graduation rates while continuing to expand programs throughout the region.

Leadership Development and Career Growth

One of the themes that stood out most throughout the conversation was Collin’s passion for helping people grow professionally.

After feeling unsupported in parts of his own early career journey, he became committed to making sure employees have access to mentorship, career conversations, and leadership development opportunities.

That mindset led him to create multiple internal leadership development programs at Say Yes Buffalo, helping employees strengthen leadership skills, build confidence, and grow within the organization.

His work has already earned recognition, including a national workplace innovation award through SHRM.

For Collin, leadership development is not simply about promotions or titles. It is about helping people recognize their strengths, understand their potential, and build meaningful careers.

Creating a People-First Culture

At the center of everything Collin discussed was one consistent idea: people come first.

He emphasized the importance of creating workplace cultures where employees feel supported, fulfilled, and valued beyond just productivity metrics.

Collin believes organizations succeed when employees are genuinely connected to the mission and feel empowered to grow within it.

For nonprofit organizations especially, he stressed the importance of mission alignment and ensuring employees truly believe in the work they are doing.

Helping Others Build Better Career Paths

Throughout the episode, Collin repeatedly returned to one mission that clearly drives him personally: helping others avoid unnecessary career struggles.

Whether through mentoring, leadership programs, workforce development initiatives, or simply making himself accessible to others, he wants people to feel supported as they navigate their careers.

His approach blends empathy, organizational leadership, and a deep understanding of how meaningful work can positively impact both individuals and entire communities.

For anyone interested in HR, nonprofit leadership, workforce development, or building stronger workplace cultures, Collin’s story offers both inspiration and practical insight.