FAYETTEVILLE -- The city has made two major hires this summer.
Brenda Reed became Human Resources director earlier this month, according to a news release. She replaced Missy Leflar, who left for a job in the University of Arkansas' Equal Opportunity and Compliance office in late May.
Lindsley Smith, communications director, retired in May after nearly six years with the city. Susan Norton, former chief information officer for the Fayetteville School District, filled the position June 8. Norton had worked for the School District since 2001. She previously directed the Arkansas Department of Information Systems and served as associate director of computing services at the University of Arkansas.
"Susan's commitment to open and transparent government combined with her dedication to customer service, in a long and stellar career of public service, makes her a great choice for this position," Don Marr, Mayor Lioneld Jordan's chief of staff, said in a news release when Norton was hired.
The city's communications director oversees the Fayetteville Television Center, manages the city's Internet and intranet websites and provides community outreach and information services. Norton also will be responsible for responding to Freedom of Information Act requests and will serve as the primary liaison between the city and the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville School District and the media, according to the news release. Marr said her annual salary is $80,000.
Reed has more than 15 years of experience in the human resources field. She previously served as human resources manager for Olathe, Kan., and human resources director for Miami County, Kan. Before that, she worked for the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Health System and IGF Insurance Co.
"I am delighted to be in Fayetteville and working with a city that provides excellent services to citizens through an outstanding workforce," Reed said in last week's news release.
As Fayetteville's human resources director, she will be responsible for overseeing employee recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits, employee relations, policy development, record retention and workers' compensation.
Marr said Reed's annual salary is $89,000.
NW News on 08/29/2015