Alt of image

Semhar
Tesfay

Senior Director, Human Resources, North America

Semhar Tesfay is a seasoned HR professional who serves as APCO’s senior talent director for North America based in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office and leads APCO’s diversity, equity & inclusion efforts. She brings over 15 years of experience in strategic workforce planning, employee engagement, operational effectiveness, and digital marketing.

Prior to APCO, Ms. Tesfay was director of human resources at HZ (BCW’s digital agency) and formerly director of human resources & talent at MullenLowe Profero.

She has been recognized for successfully driving large-scale change initiatives, building capabilities, and shaping organizational culture.

In addition to her human resources accomplishments, she held various roles in client services at Saatchi & Saatchi, Grey Healthcare Group, and Arnold Worldwide in New York City. She worked on iconic brands like General Mills, Wendy’s, and the United States Tennis Association.

Ms. Tesfay has a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Political Science from Northern Arizona University and a Digital Marketing Certificate from New York University. Ms. Tesfay has served on several non-profit boards to increase diversity in creative and tech fields, like AdColor and 4A’S Diversity Council.