Murfreesboro City Manager Rob Lyons named Pam Russell as Director of Human Resources for the City of Murfreesboro, the city announced in a press release.
Russell has served as Assistant Human Resources Director for the City since June 21, 2010. Russell replaces Interim Director Sherry Carpenter, who replaced Glen Godwin.
“It is a pleasure to promote Pam Russell to Director of Human Resources,” Lyons said. “In addition to expertise in human resource management, recruitment, and benefits administration, Ms. Russell adds a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge and experience within the HR department and City government.”
In an offer letter dated Dec. 8, 2017, Lyons stated, “Your work ethic and knowledge of the Human Resources staff, leadership team, City Council and your human resources experience will ensure your success as Murfreesboro’s Human Resources Director.”
"I'm thankful for the opportunity. I have a great HR team and look forward to getting started in my new role," Pam Russell said.
Russell was among the finalists in the City’s nationwide search for a Human Resources Director. The City Council voted in July to approve a contract with Strategic Government Resources (SRG) to recruit applicants and recommend a replacement. SRG has more than 300 local government clients in 41 states.
In June, Russell achieved accreditation as an International Public Management Association for Human Resources “Senior Certified Professional.”
Russell also has an accreditation with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as a Certified Professional.
Prior to her employment with the City, Russell served as a human resource professional in the private sector including hospitality and manufacturing in the Nashville area, and active duty military. She has more than 20 years of experience in the profession.
As assistant director, Russell served as the subject matter expert and project manager for implementation of both MUNIS, a financial management software, and KRONOS, a workforce management software.
Russell replaces Glen Godwin, who was fired in June, according to reporting by The Daily News Journal. Prior to his being fired, Godwin was placed on administrative leave and the department was investigated, at the behest of Lyons, by a private attorney.
After he was fired, Godwin's attorney Glen Godwin hired local attorney Jay Jackson, who alleged Murfreesboro Vice Mayor Madelyn Scales Harris was involved in Godwin's termination.
Integral to City management, the Human Resources Department includes many functions, programs and benefits that require the director to have an understanding and knowledge of complex state and federal law regarding both personnel and employment regulations, City policy, and rules and procedures. These include compliance with FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, ACA, and COBRA.
The Human Resources Department is responsible for all human resource functions for the City. This includes accepting all employment applications for the City-general and the Murfreesboro Water and Sewer Department, payroll, retirement benefits, insurance benefits, and the City's flexible benefits.
Russell is originally from Ohio and holds a bachelor of arts in management & human relations from Trevecca Nazerene University in Nashville. She started her new job Monday, Dec. 11, 2017. Russell’s annual salary will be $104,793.78. She will report directly to the City Manager.
The IPMA-HR Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) is a public sector focused and competency-based credential for qualified HR professionals who have reached the manager, director, senior management or executive level. It is a designation that symbolizes excellence as an HR expert, a business partner, a leader and a change agent in the field of human resources. The IPMA-SCP also shows competence, experience, and expertise in public sector human resource issues, management, and strategy. For more information on the International Human Resources Accreditation, visit www.ipma-hr.org.
