2020 HR Staff Roles and Responsibilities October 2020 - FINALHuman Resources
Staff and Responsibilities
The Human Resources Department (HR) serves as a partner to all departments within the organization to provide advice,
support, and recommendations to effectively utilize and manage the City’s most valuable assets – its people! Our strategic
role is to provide an avenue by which managers can attract and retain quality employees. This includes a competitive
compensation and benefits package, dynamic recruiting program, adaptable training and development, and
recommending short-term and long-term human resource management decisions. We are also a resource for employees
when they have challenges or concerns related to the workplace, their position, or their supervisor(s).
HR Business Partners
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service. As part of our customer-centric service model, we have
assigned Business Partners to be the point-of-contact for employees and supervisors of assigned divisions/departments.
In most cases, your Business Partner should be able to assist you. If not, they will meet with the appropriate HR staff
member to get you an answer or will direct you to the appropriate person. Our intent is to provide a single point-of-
contact to make it easier for employees and supervisors to remember whom to contact with questions or concerns.
Your Business Partners, April, Tiffani, and Carri, serve as a resource for both employees and supervisors to provide
guidance on City policies, HR processes and procedures, and workplace issues. They partner with managers and
Department Directors to assess and forecast HR-related needs and provide recommendations or solutions. While they
have assigned departments, they work closely together to back each other up as needed. Carri supervises the Business
Partners and the compensation and classification functions. Division/department assignments are as follows:
Carri Byrd x. 8349
carri.byrd@cityofdenton.com
HR Business Partner Supervisor
April David x. 8342
april.david@cityofdenton.com
HR Business Partner
Tiffani James x. 7882
tiffani.james@cityofdenton.com
HR Business Partner
If you have a workplace concern and are uncomfortable meeting with the Business Partner assigned to your division/department, you
can contact one of the other Business Partners, the Deputy Director of HR, or the HR Director. If you are uncomfortable talking to
anyone in HR or your chain of command, you can always contact the City Manager. The bottom line is, we want to ensure that you
have a place where you are comfortable talking about any concerns you may have while employed at the City of Denton.
▪Economic Development
▪Finance (Accounting, Budget, Treasury
▪Library
▪Municipal Court
▪Municipal Judge’s Office
▪Procurement/Compliance (Materials Management)
▪Public Works (CIP, Eng, Traffic, Parks & Rec, Drainage, Fleet
Svcs, Streets)
▪Technology Services (Public Safety Dispatch)
▪Safety
▪Solid Waste
▪Airport & Facilities Management (Real Estate)
▪Chief of Staff (City Sec., Community Services, Animal
Services)
▪Customer Service & Public Affairs (IGR, DTV)
▪Development Services (Planning, Building Inspections)
▪Electric Operations
▪Wastewater Operations
▪Environmental Services
▪Water Operations
▪Fire
▪Human Resources
▪Internal Audit
▪Legal
▪Police
▪Risk Management
MMMangegemen
Division/Department
*Staff listed alphabetically by last name.
Crystal Babcock x. 7766
crystal.babcock@cityofdenton.com
Operations Supervisor/Civil Service Secretary
Crystal supervises the administrative support function for HR and ensures the overall daily operation
runs well. She and her team are responsible for the employee records management functions, special
projects, budget, payroll, accounts receivables and payables for the department, and tuition
reimbursement. Crystal also coordinates special events, such as the Service Awards luncheon and
Employee Appreciation Day. She also serves as the Civil Service Secretary.
Micah Burton x. 7805
micah.burton@cityofdenton.com
Talent Development Specialist
Micah assists with City-wide training and development needs, including course development,
marketing, coordinating and facilitating workshops, tracking employee participation, and the online
learning management system. He also assists with Tuition Reimbursement.
Michele Carlson x. 8344
michele.carlson@cityofdenton.com
HR Systems & Operations Administrator
Responsible for the administration of the Human Resource Information System(s), including NEOGOV
and the Human Resources page on the HUB.
Heather Feeney x. 8133
heather.feeney@cityofdenton.com
Benefits and Leave Coordinator
Heather coordinates long-term medical leave cases and ensures employees understand the Family
Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Short Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) programs,
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), catastrophic leave, and other leave benefits (including workers’
compensation if applicable) afforded by City policy, state legislation, or federal law. Additionally, she
ensures compliance with applicable laws and policies and keeps employees informed of information
regarding all benefits and leave opportunities. Heather also coordinates the Volunteer Impact Program
(VIP) and administers the City’s drug and alcohol testing program.
Tyson Guin x. 7576
tyson.guin@cityofdenton.com
Risk Manager
Oversees the placement of insurance of the City’s insurance policies, assists with any claims brought
against the City, and works with various departments on various Risk exposures. In addition, he is the
primary resource for indemnification language and insurance/bonding requirements for City contracts
and agreements. Tyson works with the departments when new programs and projects are being
contemplated to ensure that matters regarding insurance are being considered.
Linda Kile x. 8388
linda.kile@cityofdenton.com
Benefits Supervisor
Linda is responsible for the administration of the health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
programs and works to ensure that employees have the best benefits for the lowest cost to both the
City and the employees. She also administers the City Wellness Program and assists with the operation
of the City’s CareHere clinic. Linda assists employees with complex insurance issues and is available to
answer questions on any insurance program offered by the City.
Eric Koenig x. 7822
eric.koenig@cityofdenton.com
Claims Coordinator
Eric handles all claims involving the City of Denton including managing the City’s Workers
Compensation program and investigating and resolving General Liability, Auto, and property damage
claims for both first and third-party claimants. He serves as a liaison for injured employees and their
department to help guide them through the worker's compensation process. He attends mediation,
trials, and Benefits review committees on behalf of the City. He presents subrogation claims for
damages due to the City for accidents. He manages the City’s claims information system collecting and
analyzing claim data to determine trends and areas of need to manage accident prevention programs
and training. He manages the regulatory process of The Texas Rail Road Commission regarding
underground utility strikes and administers the City’s random drug testing program.
Stephanie Lang x. 8297
stephanie.lang@cityofdenton.com
Deputy Director of Human Resources/Civil Service Director
Stephanie supports the Director of Human Resources and is responsible for overseeing the areas of
employee relations, customer service, and compensation and classification. Stephanie counsels and
advises on employee complaints, application of policies, investigations, interpretation of employment
laws, corrective action measures, and compensation and classification matters. Stephanie also serves
as the Civil Service Director, where she attends Civil Service meetings and implements and administers
the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission.
Lisa Manning x. 8370
lisa.manning@cityofdenton.com
Benefits and HRIS Specialist
Lisa handles the HR payroll function and works with new employees to ensure their information is
entered correctly in the Human Resources information system (HRIS). She processes all employee
changes and payroll deductions and coordinates retirement recognition and counseling. She oversees
the day-to-day administration of ICMA, TMRS, and the Flexible Spending program and assists with
training and exit interviews, as needed.
Jessika Miller x. 7891
Jessika.miller@cityofdenton.com
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Jessika serves as the system specialist for the City’s online hiring system. She works with the Recruiter
and hiring supervisors to ensure positions are posted to attract the most qualified applicants. She
assists with the City’s recruitment program, the seasonal hiring process, and on-boarding. She handles
the on-boarding function for new employees, including processing conditional offer and post-offer
paperwork (e.g., drug testing, physicals, I-9s).
Much like the Business Partners, our Talent Acquisition Specialists have assigned
divisions/departments that they work with. Jessika’s assigned divisions/departments are:
John Nelsen x. 8345
john.nelsen@cityofdenton.com
Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
John is responsible for City-wide hiring efforts and employee development. He also serves as subject
matter expert and liaison to City departments regarding diversity and inclusion initiatives, partnering
to create and implement strategies that helps attract, retain and develop diverse talent, including
historically underrepresented groups. He works collaboratively with employees at all levels throughout
the City to assess individual and organizational development opportunities and designs solutions that
align with core organizational values and achieve business outcomes. John also supervises the Talent
Acquisition Team and the Talent Development Team.
Stephanie Rivas x. 7768
stephanie.rivas@cityofdenton.com
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Stephanie serves as the system specialist for the City’s online hiring system. She works with the
Recruiter and hiring supervisors to ensure positions are posted to attract the most qualified applicants.
She assists with the City’s recruitment program, the seasonal hiring process, and on-boarding. She
handles the on-boarding function for new employees, including processing conditional offer and post-
offer paperwork (e.g., drug testing, physicals, I-9s).
Much like the Business Partners, our Talent Acquisition Specialists have assigned
divisions/departments that they work with. Stephanie’s assigned divisions/departments are:
▪Economic Development
▪Customer Service & Public Affairs (IGR, DTV)
▪Fire
▪Finance (Accounting, Budget, Treasury)
▪Human Resources & Risk Management
▪Internal Audit
▪Legal
▪Library
▪Municipal Court & Municipal Judge’s Office
▪Police
▪Procurement/Compliance (Materials Management)
▪Public Works (CIP, Engineering, Traffic, Parks & Recreation,
Drainage, Fleet Services, Streets)
▪Safety
▪Technology Services (Public Safety Dispatch)
▪Airport & Facilities Management (Real Estate)
▪Chief of Staff (City Secretary, Community Services, Animal Services)
▪Development Services (Planning, Building Safety)
▪Electric Operations
▪Environmental Services
▪Solid Waste
▪Wastewater Operations
▪Water Operations
Joyce Sherwood x. 8340
joyce.sherwood@cityofdenton.com
Human Resources Assistant
Joyce helps with general administrative support for HR. Under the direction of the HR Operations
Supervisor, Joyce is responsible for the day-to-day administration of records management,
employment verifications, mail distribution, answering the main HR phone number, assisting walk-in
customers, processing HR payroll, handling accounts receivables and payables, and assistance with the
tuition reimbursement program.
Deby Skawinski x. 7810
deby.skawinski@cityofdenton.com
Risk & Compliance Manager
Deby supervises the overall Risk Management function, including workers’ compensation, benefits,
leave, and the operation of the City’s CareHere clinic. She also provides advice and guidance on
compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), military
leave (USERRA), and complex medical issues. Deby keeps current with employment and other
applicable laws and supports the HR department on compliance matters. She reviews related policies
for compliance, conciseness, and consistency with applicable laws and the City’s policies.
Rachel Staton x. 7754
rachel.staton@cityofdenton.com
Compensation/HRIS Administrator
Rachel is responsible for compensation management and job classifications, including developing and
maintaining job descriptions and the City’s pay plan, developing the annual compensation proposal(s),
reviewing and processing pay changes, responding to and conducting salary surveys, and conducting
job studies.
Ebony Stringer x. 8391
ebony.stringer@cityofdenton.com
Human Resources Assistant
Ebony helps with general administrative support for HR. Under the direction of the HR Operations
Supervisor, Ebony is responsible for the day-to-day administration of records management,
employment verifications, mail distribution, answering the main HR phone number, assisting walk-in
customers, processing HR payroll, and handling accounts receivables and payables for HR. She
manages the day-to-day aspects of the tuition reimbursement program.
Tiffany Thomson x. 7401
tiffany.thomson@cityofdenton.com
Director of Human Resources
Tiffany is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of the Human Resources
Department. She guides HR in decisions regarding short and long-term planning, significant
organizational and departmental matters, and controversial matters.
Shelley Walker x. 7838
shelley.walker@cityofdenton.com
Benefits and HRIS Specialist
Shelley handles the insurance benefits and payroll functions. She educates all new employees of their
benefit options and sets up and assists employees with the online enrollment system. Shelley helps
employees and retirees with insurance benefit questions and claim issues. She is responsible for
enrollments, changes, and terminations to benefits. She also assists the Benefits Supervisor with day-
to-day operations, including coverage issues.
Kendra Williams x. 8095
kendra.williams@cityofdenton.com
Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter)
Kendra partners with managers and directors for their hiring needs to include department position
needs, updating job descriptions, and interview best practices. She works within established City
guidelines and values to develop innovative approaches to help departments attract, select, and retain
employees. She also works with other HR employees and teams to support departmental initiatives.
Human Resources
Organizational Chart
Human Resources
Director
Tiffany Thomson
Chief Diversity &
Inclusion Officer
John Nelsen
Development
Development
Specialist
Micah Burton
Hiring
Talent Acquisition
Partner (Recruiter)
Kendra Williams
Talent Acquisition
Specialists
Jessika Miller
Stephanie Rivas
Systems &
Operations
Administrator
Michele Carlson
Deputy Director of
Human Resources &
Civil Service
Director
Stephanie Lang
EE Relations/
Comp/Class
HRBP Supervisor
Carri Byrd
HRBP
April David
Tiffani James
Comp/HRIS Admin
Rachel Staton
Admin Services
Operations
Supervisor
Civil Service
Secretary
Crystal Babcock
HR Assistant
Ebony Stringer
Joyce Sherwood
Risk & Compliance
Manager
Deby Skawinski
Benefits
Benefits Supervisor
Linda Kile
Benefits Specialists
Lisa Manning
Shelley Walker
Leave/ADA/FMLA
Benefits and Leave
Coordinator
Heather Feeney
Risk Management
Risk Manager
Tyson Guin
Claims Coordinator
Eric Koenig
Human Resources
Staff by Focus Area
Focus Area Staff Name Extension
Benefits Linda Kile
Lisa Manning
*Primary contact for Retirement & Flexible Spending
Shelley Walker
*Primary contact for online benefits enrollment
Heather Feeney
*Leaves
Deby Skawinski
x. 8388
x. 8370
x. 7838
x. 8133
x. 7810
Claims Against the City Tyson Guin
Eric Koenig
Deby Skawinski
x. 7576
x. 7822
x. 7810
Compensation Issues Rachel Staton
Carri Byrd
Stephanie Lang
x. 7754
x. 8349
x. 8297
Corrective Actions April David
Tiffani James
Carri Byrd
Stephanie Lang
Tiffany Thomson
x. 8342
x. 7882
x. 8349
x. 8297
x. 7401
Employee Clinic Linda Kile
Shelley Walker
Deby Skawinski
x. 8388
x. 7838
x. 7810
Employee Complaints
April David
Tiffani James
Carri Byrd
Stephanie Lang
Tiffany Thomson
x. 8342
x. 7882
x. 8349
x. 8297
x. 7401
Employee Leaving the City
(Exit Interview)
April David
Tiffani James
Carri Byrd
Lisa Manning
x. 8342
x. 7882
x. 8349
x. 8370
Employee Status Changes
(Supervisor, Pay, Address, HBU,
Personal Information)
Lisa Manning
Shelley Walker
Rachel Staton
x. 8370
x. 7838
x. 7754
Insurance for City Property Tyson Guin
Deby Skawinski
x. 7576
x. 7810
Job Classification, Reclassification
Studies, and Reorganizations
Rachel Staton
Carri Byrd
April David
Tiffani James
x. 7754
x. 8349
x. 8342
x. 7882
Medically-Related Leave
(e.g., FMLA, ADA)
Heather Feeney
Deby Skawinski
x. 8133
x. 7810
Performance Reviews Rachel Staton
Carri Byrd
x. 7754
x. 8349
Recruiting and Hiring Kendra Williams
Jessika Miller
Stephanie Rivas
John Nelsen
x. 8095
x. 7891
x. 7768
x. 8345
Your assigned HR Business Partner will be
your point-of-contact.
Your assigned HR Business Partner will be
your point-of-contact.
Your assigned HR Business Partner will be
your point-of-contact.
Focus Area Staff Name Extension
Retirement Lisa Manning
Shelley Walker
Linda Kile
Deby Skawinski
x. 8370
x. 7838
x. 8388
x. 7810
Training and Development Micah Burton
John Nelsen
x. 7805
x. 8345
Tuition Reimbursement Crystal Babcock
Ebony Stringer
Joyce Sherwood
x. 8343
x. 8391
x. 8340
Wellness and Healthy Incentives Linda Kile
Shelley Walker
Deby Skawinski
x. 8388
x. 7838
x. 7810
Workers’ Compensation Eric Koenig
Tyson Guin
Deby Skawinski
x. 7822
x. 7576
x. 7810