Liz Geist enters her 12th season as a member of the Chicago Bears in 2025. Geist was named to the newly created position of Executive Vice President of People and Culture & Chief Human Resources Officer on April 10, 2024.
Geist serves as a key strategic partner to President & CEO Kevin Warren, supporting a unified vision for organizational excellence, while building a world-class culture and developing strategies for sustained success.
Additionally, Geist leads the organization's Human Resources sector, focusing on creating a supportive and empowering workplace culture that enables employees to thrive. Geist collaborates with Warren and the Executive Leadership Team to align initiatives with strategic objectives, championing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the organization. Geist oversees all aspects of HR, ensuring the Bears attract and retain top talent, while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
Geist's journey with the Bears began in 2014, joining the organization as the sole member of the HR department. Over the past decade, Geist's visionary leadership and dedication have been instrumental in transforming the HR department into a robust team that serves the Bears. Her commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering workplace culture has left an indelible mark on the organization, solidifying its reputation as a leader in progressive HR practices within the sports industry.
Before her tenure with the Bears, Geist navigated through various industries, including non-profit and transportation and logistics. Her experiences in these diverse environments honed her leadership skills and deepened her understanding of the complexities of HR management. During this time, Geist developed her unique approach to fostering dignity, respect and humanity in the workplace, setting her on a trajectory towards success.
Upon joining the Bears, Geist was at the forefront of leading initiatives to standardize hiring processes, establish comprehensive professional development programs, and prioritize mental health support for all staff members. Geist's innovative approach and tireless advocacy for safe work cultures have not only elevated the Bears' organizational culture and values but have also positioned the team as a trailblazer in progressive HR practices within the sports industry.
In addition, Geist made significant contributions to major projects for the Bears. Geist served on the design committee for the expansion and renovation of Halas Hall in 2019, leveraging insights gained from touring top-tier facilities with the general manager and architects to create what is now considered one of the best practice facilities in the NFL. Additionally, with the support of the CFO, Geist played a key role in establishing an office in downtown Chicago that better suited the needs of staff members and executives.
In 2023, the club selected Geist to participate in the NFL League of Leaders Executive Education Program at Stanford University.
Beyond her professional achievements, Geist serves on the Pro Sports Assembly's Board of Directors, remaining committed to advancing diversity and inclusion within the sports industry.
