New Human Resources Director Hired at Schools

The following press release was submitted by the :

Dr. Joseph M. Sawyer, Superintendent of the Shrewsbury Public Schools, is very pleased to announce that Barbara Malone has accepted his offer to become the next director of human resources for our school district, effective July 1. Malone, a resident of Holden, is currently the employee relations practice leader in the human resources department at The Hanover Insurance Company in Worcester, where she has worked since 1999.

Malone was selected from 26 applicants for the position. The hiring process included an interview with representatives from different employee groups; a day-long site visit to the school district that included interactions with different groups of educators and school leaders; and interviews with the superintendent and the Shrewsbury School Committee.

Dr. Sawyer communicated the following in a message to his staff:

"Ms. Malone emerged from a competitive field as the candidate with the most support among the staff who interacted with the finalists through the interview and site visit process. Her references were also superb. During her candidacy, it became clear that Ms. Malone possesses outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent technical knowledge of the human resources functions of large organizations and a values-based approach that is an excellent fit for the Shrewsbury Public Schools' culture. Her extensive experience in developing innovative and cost effective solutions that promote organizational quality and employee satisfaction will serve her well in her new role."

"The director of human resources is a crucial position that supports the work of almost 1,000 total employees inclusive of our entire operation. Ms. Malone will have a very tough act to follow in Tom Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy is the first and only director of human resources our district has had, and his skillful efforts over the past 12 years have helped our schools improve their performance, while doing so in an extremely cost effective manner. He is the epitome of our core values, especially with regard to always treating everyone with respect. While he will be greatly missed, I am confident that Ms. Malone will be a worthy successor. I'm also pleased that Ms. Malone will benefit from Mr. Kennedy's mentorship during this transition and throughout the next year."

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