Politics & Government

Rockville Hires New Human Resources Director

HR director from Texas starts Oct. 7.

UPDATED—After more than a year, the City of Rockville has hired a new human resources director. 

Karen Marshall, currently the human resources director for Fort Worth, Texas, will start her official duties Oct. 7, city officials announced in a press release Wednesday.

Marshall holds a master's degree in social services administration from the University of Washington, Seattle and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She has worked in local governments of varying sizes, including Wichita, Kan., and Everett, Wash., according to the news release. 

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Marshall's salary will be $145,000, a city spokesperson told Patch.

Colette Anthony has been the acting human resources director. Carlos Vargas vacated the position in April 2012, city officials said.

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Vargas, who took a job at a nonprofit, was criticized by former employees who claimed they were subjected to harassment and discrimination by their supervisors while they were employed with the city, Patch has reported.

An independent investigation found there was no unlawful conduct on the city's behalf. The investigation was a reason for the delay in hiring a new human resources director, city officials have said.

Though the city released some details from the independent report, the full review has not been made public.

In the news release, City Manager Barb Matthews said Marshall was an “excellent fit” for the city.

"Her extensive, broad based and high level human resources management experience and strong customer service orientation will serve the organization well, both immediately and into the future," Matthews said.

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Editor's Note: This story has been updated since it was originally published Wednesday.

 


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