This announcement came from City Hall this morning…
The City of Newton has hired Wesley Layne as its new Human Resources Director, Mayor Warren announced today. Wesley brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position, having served in previous roles as the Human Resources Director for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Public Utilities (DPU) and State Auditor’s offices, MassPro, Kindred Healthcare, and Sears/Citicards. Prior to these roles, he served as Human Resources Manager for Winchester Hospital, and Franciscan Children’s Hospital.
In the State Auditor’s Office, Wesley implemented new online performance evaluation programs and full compensation review. At the DPU and Auditors’ Office he implemented recruitment reporting for management tracking and planning, including time-to-fill and other data essential to timely hiring.
“Wesley has the skillset and leadership capacity needed to lead this critical department, and the ability to attract and retain a terrific workforce to ensure the best possible delivery of services for our residents,” Mayor Warren said. “Wesley also has the background and experience to ensure that proper performance management standards are in place throughout every department.”
“I am looking forward to helping deliver Human Resources excellence that builds upon the Mayor’s vision of making Newton a model community for the 21st century,” Wesley said.
Wesley will begin on Tuesday, April 22nd.
I wish Mr Layne the best of luck. His charge of implementing “performance management standards” throughout every dept seems next to impossible with union contracts. Other cities has tried, but if everyone is lock-step in compensation at their seniority level, how does one encourage meeting standards? Maybe Newton can be a first in this
Maybe I read this wrong — probably did. If the charge is to evaluated standards at a dept level and not at an individual level, something the Mayor encouraged at the get-to, that is doable. Individual performance standards and evaluations are another thing (which cities find difficult to implement)
Hoss-“proper performance management standards” are not at all at odds with union contracts. I work with a contract in Newton, and we’ve been talking about performance standards for years, and municipal employees have been talking about them for at least 5 years. We’re on board with standards. I think your second take was more on target.
Welcome Mr. Layne.
Will the position just be for the municipal side or for both city and schools?