Celeste Shields Joins People Function as New VP of Operations

People Function Welcomes a New Leader

People Function, a boutique human resources consulting firm, is excited to announce the appointment of Celeste Shields as their new Vice President of Operations. This significant addition to the executive team comes at an important time as the firm aims to enhance operational systems and institutional processes to better serve its clients.

Celeste will operate under the guidance of Emma Leeds, the CEO and founder of People Function, and will play a crucial role in steering the company toward its goals for scalability and efficiency in 2026. Her duties will encompass overseeing various operational aspects, including but not limited to sales, marketing, content strategies, community engagement, partnerships, and information technology.

In her new role, Celeste joins fellow executive, Adriana Estrada Genao, who has recently been promoted to Vice President of Consulting. Together, they are expected to drive transformative initiatives within People Function that align with the firm's mission of providing exceptional client experiences.

Emma Leeds expressed enthusiasm for Shields' arrival, stating, "I couldn't be more excited about Celeste joining People Function as our first external executive hire. Her leadership will be invaluable as we prioritize building scalable systems to enhance our services in 2026. Celeste’s extensive expertise will ensure that we continue to elevate the experience we provide to our clients."

Shields arrives with a robust background, boasting over a decade of experience in startup environments where she has developed a knack for improving growth and efficiency. Her specialties lie in operations, project management, and strategic development, augmented by her educational background in psychology, which she leverages to help organizations meet and exceed operational goals.

Before stepping into her role at People Function, Celeste founded and led Celestial Operations, a consulting firm in Los Angeles that specializes in building scalable systems for startups and venture capital firms. Known for her ability to translate strategic visions into practical systems, she has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to various executive teams.

In her own words, Celeste describes her approach: "I like to call myself an operations wizard because there truly is a magic in streamlining systems and enhancing overall business flow. Whether it's refining operational excellence, devising a new sales strategy, or managing projects from inception to completion, I focus on making the lives of my clients easier."

People Function is thrilled to welcome Celeste to its growing team of experts. Her addition signifies the firm’s commitment to enhancing operational excellence while fostering a people-first culture. This strategic hiring decision reflects an ongoing commitment to providing clients with premier services that help them navigate their people processes with confidence.

As People Function continues to evolve, they are eager to share more about their growth journey with clients and stakeholders. To stay updated on their progress and learn how Celeste's insights will shape the future of the company, you can follow People Function on LinkedIn.

For further inquiries regarding this news, Taylor Odisho, Content Strategist at People Function, can be reached directly.