Jenny Weaver Clayton, SHRM-SCP, has dedicated her career to fostering positive work environments and championing employees in both the hospitality and human resources sectors. Currently serving as vice president of people services at Suncadia Resort, a CoralTree Hospitality property, Ms. Clayton draws on more than two decades of HR experience to build effective teams, streamline HR processes, and prioritize employee well-being. Her approach is rooted in the belief that successful HR leadership stems from empathy, clarity, and a commitment to creating safe, supportive spaces for staff to thrive.
Ms. Clayton holds a Master of Arts in human resources and employee relations from Penn State University, a Bachelor of Science in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University, and an Associate of Arts from San Antonio College. She is also a senior certified professional through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP), underscoring her deep commitment to advancing industry standards. Her journey in HR began as a natural extension of her talent for relationship-building and her passion for helping others. As she puts it, people have always fascinated her, and she enjoys the opportunity to coach, problem-solve, and support those around her. Born and raised in Hawaii, Ms. Clayton grew up with cruise ships as a constant part of her childhood landscape, inspiring her interest in the hospitality industry from a young age. This connection led her to build a career that combines her love of travel with her expertise in human resources.
Ms. Clayton’s career spans various leadership roles, particularly in human resources within the cruise industry, where she honed her skills in employee relations and operational efficiency. Before her role at Suncadia Resort, she served as vice president of human resources for Alaskan Dream Cruises and Allen Marine, Inc., from 2022 to 2023. Prior to that, she spent several years with Celebrity Cruises, where she held positions including corporate senior manager of fleet human resources and senior HR business partner. During her five years at Celebrity, Ms. Clayton was instrumental in supporting a global workforce, coordinating with crews and management to address the unique challenges of the industry.
One of Ms. Clayton’s most significant professional achievements occurred at Celebrity Cruises during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a lead HR team, she helped coordinate the safe repatriation of more than 23,000 employees from 70 countries, an effort that required complex logistics and rigorous planning. She and her team established return-to-work protocols, developed quarantine guidelines, and organized vaccinations, all while addressing the varied needs of employees from diverse backgrounds. This effort earned her team the Department of the Year award, a testament to their resilience and dedication during a challenging period for the cruise industry.
Ms. Clayton attributes much of her success to her passion for HR and her ability to connect with people on a personal level. Known for her straightforward, no-nonsense approach, she values relationship-building and strives to create environments in which employees feel comfortable voicing their concerns. Ms. Clayton rejects the stereotype of HR as strictly policy-driven; instead, she prioritizes an employee-first, servant leadership approach. She takes pride in her ability to coach people from various levels, helping them solve their own problems and recognize their own successes. Her colleagues often describe her as approachable and empathetic, qualities she considers essential for effective HR leadership.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Clayton enjoys a range of hobbies, including gardening, camping, hiking, cooking, and traveling. She is an avid traveler who has visited 54 countries and all 50 U.S. states, experiences that have broadened her understanding of diverse cultures and deepened her appreciation for hospitality. She also actively contributes to her community as a member of the Rotary Club of Upper Kittitas County and serves on the board of directors for Kittitas County Pride. Her civic engagement reflects her belief in giving back and supporting others, values she also brings to her professional life.
In the next five to ten years, Ms. Clayton aims to expand her impact within the HR field, taking on leadership roles that allow her to implement meaningful changes in organizational culture. She is particularly passionate about the hospitality industry and envisions working with like-minded professionals who prioritize employee well-being. Ms. Clayton’s goals include developing programs that inspire leaders, foster inclusivity, and enhance employee satisfaction. Her recent transition to a senior leadership role at Suncadia Resort provides her with a platform to drive strategic change and showcase her abilities at a high level.
Ms. Clayton is motivated by the employees she serves, particularly those in hospitality, a field she views as inherently selfless. She finds inspiration in the dedication of hospitality workers and values her role in supporting their efforts. Reflecting on her time in the cruise industry, she recalls the sense of fulfillment she felt each day, knowing she had made a positive impact on people’s lives. This commitment to service continues to define her approach to HR, and she remains focused on creating environments in which employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Ms. Clayton’s journey reflects a commitment to excellence, a passion for people, and a dedication to creating supportive, growth-oriented workplaces. She is determined to continue leading by example, inspiring others to put people first and approach HR with empathy and understanding. As she moves forward in her career, her vision is clear: to make a lasting impact on the hospitality industry by fostering environments that enable employees to thrive and empower leaders to grow into the best versions of themselves.
