A trusted voice in global HR transformation, Montrese Sampson has reshaped the people strategy for two of the world’s most influential news organizations—CBS News and the Associated Press. Known for turning fragmented, reactive systems into inclusive, high-impact HR functions that span non-union and union populations, continents and cultures, she has built global HR infrastructures from scratch, serving up to 2,000 employees across six international bureaus/locations. Whether guiding executive teams through periods of complex change and transformation or creating inclusive teams worldwide, she leads with integrity, empathy, and fearless clarity.

Most recently, Montrese served as Vice President of Human Resources for CBS News, where she built the organization’s first global HR infrastructure, supporting more than 2,000 employees and freelancers across six international bureaus/locations. Her tenure coincided with a period of significant transition, including corporate mergers, layoffs, and the ongoing restructuring of the media landscape. She led the charge in standardizing global HR practices, reducing legal and compliance risks, and creating systems that emphasized performance, transparency, and care.

Previously, she held dual roles as Vice President of Human Resources for CBS News’ domestic operations, where she unified HR support across major U.S. bureaus including New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. In this role, she shifted HR’s reputation from reactive to proactive trusted advisor by aligning leadership goals with employee input, establishing community partnerships, and guiding the organization through major structural changes. Her efforts were instrumental in rebuilding morale, creating inclusive cultures, and improving labor relations across five domestic unions.

Before joining CBS, she spent 14 years with the Associated Press, ultimately serving as Regional Human Resources Director overseeing four U.S. regions and four international locations. There, she transformed a disjointed HR structure into a cohesive model that supported over 600 employees across union and non-union environments. Her work included streamlining recruitment, launching performance management systems, strengthening FMLA and ADA adherence, and drastically reducing legal risk through early conflict resolution and direct union engagement. Her ability to integrate disparate divisions and instill a proactive, solutions-focused culture left a lasting impact on the organization. 

Her earlier career included HR leadership roles at Anderson Automotive Group and Integrated Health Services, as well as earlier HR positions at Goldwell Cosmetics and the University of Maryland Faculty Dental School Practice Associates. In each role, she brought structure to chaos, elevated the professionalism of HR operations, and cultivated trust across all levels of the organization.

Montrese holds a Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University with a concentration in Human Resources Management and Organizational Change and Development. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University, majoring in Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations.

She is a certified SHRM-CP professional and holds a Mental Health First Aid certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. She is also a graduate of the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. She has completed the EZRA Academy Coaching Program and is working to obtain an ICF Coaching certification.

Dedicated to service and equity, she currently serves on the Patient and Family Advisory Board for the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Her prior volunteer work includes advocacy roles for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as serving as a mentor to many students and professionals across various universities and industries.

Her career reflects not only deep HR expertise, but also an enduring commitment to building inclusive, resilient, and people-centered workplaces.