Four-member committee brings experience in civil service, human resources, workforce development, and labor relations.
Mayor Sean Ryan today announced the appointment of a four-member search committee to recommend candidates for the next City of Buffalo Commissioner of Human Resources. The committee, chaired by James L. Jarvis Jr., will lead the search in accordance with the City Charter as the City prepares for the retirement of longtime Commissioner Gladys “G.G.” Herndon-Hill.
Under Article 11, Section 11-2 of the City Charter, the mayor appoints a search committee of no more than five City residents with professional training or experience in human resources, including at least one member with public sector experience. The committee is responsible for recommending candidates to the mayor. The mayor will then appoint one of the recommended candidates, subject to confirmation by the Common Council, to a six-year term.
The next commissioner will oversee the City’s civil service administration, recruitment for appointive positions, employee training, compensation and benefits programs, among other responsibilities including regular collaboration with law and labor relations. The job has been posted at a salary range of $127,245–$177,245 depending on experience, and applicants are being instructed to send cover letters and resumes to HRsearch@buffalony.gov for consideration. Qualifications and additional information about the position are available on the City of Buffalo’s website. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, for a minimum of 30 days.
“Finding the right person to lead Human Resources is critical to the City’s ability to recruit, support, and retain the employees who deliver the services Buffalo residents rely on every day,” Mayor Ryan said. “I wanted a committee that brings a broad range of experience to this process, including firsthand knowledge of City government and civil service, senior human resources leadership, workforce development, and labor relations. These four Buffalo residents bring that range of expertise, and I appreciate their willingness to help identify the next leader of this important department.”
The committee members are:
James L. Jarvis Jr. (Chair) — Jarvis brings extensive experience in human resources administration, labor and employment law, and public-sector leadership. He served as Director of Employee Relations and Associate Vice President of Human Resources at the University at Buffalo before becoming Chief Campus Counsel. Earlier in his career, he served the City of Buffalo as Director of Labor Relations and Assistant Corporation Counsel.
Kathleen O’Hara — O’Hara brings decades of experience in civil service, human resources, and labor relations. She previously served as the City of Buffalo’s Commissioner of Human Resources, Director of Labor Relations, and Assistant Corporation Counsel. She also served as Vice President of Human Resources at ECMC, where she oversaw human resources and labor relations functions for a workforce that grew to 2,860 employees during her tenure.
Dr. Jacqueline N. Hall — Hall brings a background in executive leadership experience in nonprofit administration, human services, workforce development, and public sector operations. She is Senior Vice President of Administration for the Community Action Organization of Western New York, where she oversees administrative operations, compliance, and agency-wide initiatives. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Development Board and held senior leadership positions with the Erie County Department of Social Services.'
Robert L. Mootry Jr. — Mootry brings a background in experience in labor relations, collective bargaining, and employee representation. He is Region Director for the Civil Service Employees Association, where he works on labor relations matters involving compensation, classification, contract administration, and grievance resolution. His public sector experience also includes more than two decades at the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, along with service on regional workforce and labor organizations.