Assistant Director of Personnel, Sarah Kloos, to assume role as Acting Director of Personnel as of February 14th; City conducting search for Permanent Director

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In a statement to City employees, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that the City’s Director of Personnel, Jessie Baker, has resigned her post in order to accept the position of Performance Improvement Manger for the Vermont Health Department.  Mayor Curtatone also announced that, effective Monday, February 14, 2011, Assistant Director of Personnel Sarah Kloos will serve as Acting Director of the Department.  A formal search process began earlier this month to permanently fill the position.  Ms. Baker has been an employee of the City of Somerville since 2006.

“I am very happy that Jessie has been offered an opportunity that is both personally and professionally attractive, however I am sad to lose such a valued and trusted colleague,” Mayor Curtatone said.   “In each of the roles she has filled during her tenure with the City, Jessie demonstrated an unparalleled work ethic, a passion for improving how the City does business, and a collegial attitude and generous spirit.  She will be missed.”

Ms. Baker joined the City of Somerville as a Senior Analyst in the SomerStat Department, served as Aide to the Mayor from July 2008 to July 2009, and accepted the position of Director of Personnel in August of 2009.

“It has been a great privilege to work for the Mayor and the taxpayers of Somerville for the last five years,” Baker said.  “It has been an honor to be part of Mayor Curtatone’s administration – and on a team that always works in the best interest of the residents and that seeks to implement best practices in municipal government.  I have always been proud to say that I live and work in Somerville, and I will continue to watch the City progress over the next several years.”

Assistant Director of Personnel, Sarah Kloos, began her employment with the City in 2010 after having worked in the hospitality industry, most recently as the Assistant Director of Human Resources for the Omni Parker House in Boston.

“Sarah has quickly and efficiently learned how to adapt her tremendous knowledge for the municipal government realm, and has impressed me and my staff with her professionalism and her ability to contribute from her very first day.  I am excited to announce that Sarah will serve as the Acting Director in the coming months,” Mayor Curtatone said.