June 2, 2026
Immanuel is pleased to announce the promotion of Cecil L. Hicks, Jr., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, EMBA, to Vice President of Human Resources. A respected leader within the organization, Cecil brings more than 30 years of experience and a strong people-first approach to supporting team members across Immanuel’s communities and services.
Since joining Immanuel in 2022 as Director of Talent Development and Culture, Cecil has helped shape initiatives that strengthen employee growth, engagement, and workplace culture. Through his work, he has supported efforts that align closely with Immanuel’s vision: that all people will grow and age with dignity, safety, and wellness.
For Cecil, stepping into this new role marks both a meaningful career milestone and an exciting next chapter.
“It’s truly an honor to be trusted with this opportunity and to lead such a talented HR team,” he said. “There’s so much ahead, and I’m excited to be part of what’s next for Immanuel.”
A broad and impactful career
Cecil’s professional background spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including leadership roles in city government, higher education, K-12 education, and the financial services industry. Throughout his career, he has guided key human resources functions such as employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, organizational development, and diversity and inclusion.
His passion for working with people is rooted in a lifetime of building connections. Growing up in a military family, Cecil moved frequently, living in communities across the country and overseas. Those experiences helped him quickly learn how to form relationships and adapt, skills that have continued to influence his leadership style.
“I’ve always believed relationships are the foundation of everything,” Cecil said. “When you build strong relationships, it creates an environment where people can do their best work.”
At Immanuel, that belief naturally aligns with the organization’s CHRIST Promises: compassion, honor, relationships, integrity, serve, and teamwork. Cecil is energized by the opportunity to support team members in ways that enhance the experience of residents and participants.
“What stands out to me is how authentic the culture at Immanuel feels,” he said. “You can see and feel the values in action, and there’s opportunity to continue building on that in real ways.”
Leading strategic HR initiatives
In his role as Vice President of Human Resources, Cecil will oversee areas including talent acquisition, talent development, total rewards, HR operations, HR Business Partners, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. He will also help drive strategic initiatives that strengthen the employee experience while supporting the organization’s long-term goals.
Looking ahead, Cecil is focused on creating an environment where every team member has the opportunity to grow and thrive. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual strengths and continuing to evolve how Immanuel supports its workforce.
“Our people and our culture are our greatest strengths,” he said. “Creating opportunities for growth, while building on what we already do well, will continue to move us forward.”
Cecil also carries forward the influence of leaders who have shaped Immanuel’s culture, including longtime HR leader, the late Betty Harris. He credits her example of leading with care and authenticity as an inspiration for how he approaches his own work with team members.
Serving the Omaha community
Beyond his role at Immanuel, Cecil is deeply involved in the Omaha community. He serves on several local boards and has contributed to numerous nonprofit organizations throughout his career. Notably, he is a member of the Omaha Public Library Board of Trustees and continues to support initiatives that strengthen the community.
He also serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he shares his professional experience with students pursuing careers in business and human resources.
As Immanuel continues to grow, Cecil’s leadership will help shape a workplace where team members feel supported, valued, and inspired to make a difference each day.
“It’s always about the people,” Cecil said. “That’s what drives everything we do.”
