Subject:
Title
Confirmation of Melissa H. Powers as Human Resources Office Director
End
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Dept/Office:
County Manager’s Office
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners confirm the appointment of Melissa H. Powers as Human Resources Office Director.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
Pursuant to the Brevard County Charter and Code of Ordinances, it is asked that the Board of County Commissioners confirm the appointment of Melissa H. Powers as Human Resources Office Director. Ms. Powers has been serving as the Deputy Director - Human Resources since December 2022. Prior to this position, Ms. Powers served as an Assistant County Attorney (Attorney II and Attorney III) with the County Attorney’s Office from May 2018 through December 2022.
In the Deputy Director - Human Resources position, Ms. Powers handles all employee relations matters, and provides guidance for departments on discipline, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) matters. Ms. Powers provides primary supervision of the Records section of Human Resources, teaches classes for the employee development program, participates in labor union grievance proceedings and labor negotiations, assists with budget development, and attends monthly review meeting with staff and consultants for the County’s group health plan. In her role as an Assistant County Attorney, Ms. Powers provided legal services which included, but were not limited to contract review, labor union negotiations, writing and amending ordinances and County policies and administrative orders, and provided guidance on employee discipline matters, including grievance committee and personnel council hearings. In addition, Ms. Powers conducted public records training for employees and assisted Risk Management with litigation reviews and collaborative work with outside legal counsel.
Ms. Powers possesses a Juris Doctorate Degree from the Suffolk University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Social Psychology from Wheaton College. In addition, Ms. Powers has been admitted to practice law in Florida, Middle District of Florida, and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
The demonstrated experience Ms. Powers has gained from her roles as Deputy Director - Human Resources, Assistant County Attorney, and prior private practice experience, have proven beneficial to successfully take on this new role.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: