Elain Cole
Vice President Human Resources / Chief Human Resources Officer

Elaine Cole joined the Housing Opportunities Commission in June 2022. With over three decades of experience in Human Resources (HR) management — including expertise in employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, and organizational psychology — Ms. Cole has established herself as a seasoned pioneer in the field, with a proven track record of successfully developing and managing high-performing teams. Elaine is also skilled in the areas of organizational development and change management and has a deep understanding of how to create and sustain a positive and productive work environment. Throughout her career in Human Resources, Elaine has led, developed, executed and evaluated human capital programs for varying sized domestic and international companies. She has an impressive track record of successfully managing large-scale recruitment campaigns, developing and implementing employee-retention strategies, and improving overall HR processes and procedures.

Prior to joining HOCMC, Elaine served as the Director of HR at the International Foundation for Electoral Systems. In her role, Elaine was responsible for conceptualizing and implementing a progressive HR strategy, while also harmonizing these initiatives with the organization’s overall mission and objectives.

Elaine speaks to varying degrees French, Italian and West African Pidgin English and has developed a true appreciation for global citizenship and brings this perspective to her work. As such, she has a passion for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and has made it a priority of hers to create workplace cultures that not only foster engagement and productivity but promote an environment of respect and inclusivity.

Elaine holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Sierra Leone in English and French and a certificate in Juche philosophy. She also holds a master’s degree in human resource management from the University of Maryland University College. Outside of her professional life, Elaine enjoys spending time with her two daughters and has a passion for traveling and exploring new cultures.