Here is a press release from City Manager Ray Griffin announcing the hiring of Cathy M. Brown as Henderson’s new Human Resources Manager:
I am pleased to advise you that the recruitment, interview and selection processes for the position of Human Resources Manager are now concluded. The position was advertised and approximately 16 resumes were received. Based on the applications received and the interviews conducted and completed background checks, an appointment has been made.
Please welcome Ms. Cathy M. Brown as the new Human Resources Manager for the City. She brings with her 14 years of experience in the human resources field while working in the private sector. Her references were excellent. While working at the Pfizer facility in Durham, she served as the Human Resources Manager for five years and as a Human Resources Representative and Assistant for eight years.
Ms. Brown has a BS from East Carolina University and graduate coursework in public administration from NC Central University. She received her Senior Professional of Human Resources (SPHR) Certification in 2007 and her Professional of Human Resources (PHR) certification in 2000. She has strong interpersonal, workforce development, performance appraisal, training, mediation and benefits administration skills. She has worked at both the Human Resources policy and non-policy levels during her career.
The Human Resources Office has been without a full-time Manager since mid-December when Ms. Jeanie Barrow resigned to return to private sector. Assistant City Manager Frank Frazier has been serving as Interim Human Resources Manager since Jeanie’s departure. Unfortunately, the Office has been a revolving door for HR Managers since the resignation of long-time HR Manager Hartwell Wright. Mr. Wright resigned in April 2004 and was followed by Ms. Mary Cephas who served for two years. Ms. Cephas resigned in 2006 and was followed by Ms. Pam Brame who served for two years before resigning in May 2008. Ms. Brame was followed by Ms. Jeanie Barrow who served for 3.5 months.
Ms. Brown and I have discussed the needs of the Office and I believe she has the talent, skills and personality to help move the Human Resources function forward in a positive and progressive manner. I look forward to working with her as she begins her tenure with the City. Ms. Brown will be introduced to the Council at its 23 March meeting.