HEUG Famous: Renee Riley Interview

This September, we are thrilled to feature Renee Riley as our HEUG Famous honoree! Renee celebrates 20 years with the University of Missouri System, where she brings her expertise in Oracle PeopleSoft HCM, focusing on Benefits, Time and Labor, and Payroll. Since joining HEUG in 2005, Renee has grown from a curious participant to a pillar of the community, presenting at conferences, leading the HCM Community of Practice, serving on the Alliance Program Team, and now serving on the HEUG Board as VP of Education and Engagement and Community Council Chair. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and the countless connections she’s built reflect the very heart of HEUG.

Where do you work? How long have you been there?

I work for the University of Missouri System which is located in Columbia, MO. In August, I celebrated my 20^th anniversary with the University.

Are you working on-site, remotely, or hybrid? What has that experience been like for you?

I work a hybrid schedule that leans towards being primarily on-site. This was a big change for our department and has had mixed reviews. I personally enjoy the everyday interactions that occur with being on-site but definitely value the flexibility that comes with working remote.

What Student or ERP system do you work in, and what modules do you primarily work with?

We use Oracle PeopleSoft and my focus is in HCM – primarily with Benefits, Time and Labor, and Payroll.

When did you get involved with HEUG? How did that happen?

My early days of involvement were simple community participation starting back in 2005. I was a technical writer and using Oracle’s User Productivity Kit (UPK)- which hardly anyone remembers anymore – and I needed help. My involvement really started to grow soon after this, due to the recommendation of a colleague. He encouraged me to join the HCM Community of Practice (CoP). It was then that I started to become even more involved with the communities. The communities are the foundation of HEUG and it is amazing where they can lead you within this organization.

In what capacities have you been involved with HEUG?

I have been fortunate to have had a variety of roles within HEUG. I have been a presenter at HEUG conferences, a member and leader within the HCM CoP, I served in all roles on the Alliance Program Team, and I now serve on the Board as the VP of Education and Engagement and the Community Council Chair. I have to say that my time on the Alliance Program Team was truly unlike any other role I have had. The behind scenes experience you get with how the Alliance conference is put together is very eye-opening and the team that you work with becomes very close-knit.

Do you have a favorite or meaningful story regarding your time in HEUG?

This is hard. I have so many memories over the last 20 years. I have everything from laughing with friends over a drink until your sides ache, to tripping over a cornhole board at the opening session at Alliance and being saved by a member of Higher Logic (thank you again Tesha), to presenting to an enthusiastic international audience at HEUG Europe. The stories come from the people you meet and the connections you make and nurture over the years.

What has been your favorite conference location? Why?

I really enjoyed Salt Lake City. The scenery was spectacular and the city was very friendly and easy to navigate. I am a cold weather person so the weather was perfect for me. It even snowed while we were there for the conference.

What is your first HEUG related memory?

My first HEUG related memory is the simplest of things – I posted a question to a discussion forum – probably about UPK. I never thought at the time that I would soon be presenting a workshop on the topic and later becoming a member of the HCM CoP. I also have a pretty fun memory of Alliance 2006 in Nashville listening to Jo Dee Messina and Charlie Daniels perform at the closing night event.

What is YOUR value proposition for HEUG?

I think I mentioned this in my HEUG the Mic podcast, but it is worth repeating over and over again. The HEUG and my involvement in it has been the most rewarding professional development opportunity of my career. I have made connections with people all over the world and have learned and shared knowledge and experiences in a range of topics. I cannot place a value on my HEUG involvement and experience because it is PRICELESS!

Do you have a work-related philosophy you would like to share?

Here is my official elevator speech: As a leader, I am passionate about using technology as a catalyst to strengthen and advance the mission, vision, and values of the institution I serve whether that be my own University or HEUG. I believe effective leadership comes from creating an environment where teamwork, collaboration, and individual talent are valued and empowered. And that together can drive meaningful impact. On a less formal note: Make it fun!

What new app/technology/platform is intriguing to you right now?

Okay, so I know AI is the hot topic right now and I am definitely dipping my toe into it more and more. I haven’t quite gotten into the habit of using it on a daily basis, but I feel like I am getting there. But, I think for me right now, I am more focused on maximizing the technologies we already have in play whether that means using AI to enhance them or learning more without AI.

If you could have any superpower what would it be and why?

I personally would want the ability to speak every language. How cool would it be to travel anywhere and be able to have a conversation with absolutely everyone?!

We cannot thank Renee Riley enough for her tireless dedication, her passion for leadership, and the countless ways she empowers and inspires the HEUG community. From her priceless professional guidance to her ability to make work both meaningful and fun, Renee embodies everything we value in our members. Congratulations, Renee — your expertise, heart, and energy have made HEUG a richer, stronger, and more connected community, and we are so grateful to celebrate you this September!

Want to connect with Renee? Visit her HEUG profile or connect with her on LinkedIn.