AMHERST — An attorney and executive director for human resources at Berkshire Community College is being appointed as the town’s human resources director, pending confirmation by the Town Council.
Melissa Loiodice-Walker is recommended for the position by Town Manager Paul Bockelman, who sent a memo to councilors on Friday. Loiodice-Walker would succeed Donna-Rae Kenneally, who held the position for just short of two years before departing in August.
“The references for Ms. Loiodice-Walker said she was a unique candidate, an amazing team member, thoughtful, kind and an advocate for employees, but loyal to the team and great thought partner,” Bockelman wrote.
A UMass graduate, Loiodice-Walker brings expertise in recruitment, employment, employee relations, and training and development initiatives, Bockelman said.
“I believe that my qualifications and skill set are well tailored to meet the challenges of this role,” Loiodice-Walker wrote in her letter of interest. “Further, I find the idea of working in the heart of the community where I began my career and my family to be exciting.”
The Town Council has two weeks to approve or disapprove the appointment, though if councilors don’t act the appointment would go into effect automatically at that point. Loiodice-Walker is expected to assume the role in December.
Loiodice-Walker also earned a master’s degree in social work from the Springfield College School of Social Work, and a juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. She is a licensed attorney and member of the Massachusetts Bar and is a Certified Mediator
“Her experience as an attorney in employment law and work at a public institution of higher education with a unionized workforce provide valuable experience for her work in the town of Amherst,” Bockelman said.
The screening committee for the search was made up of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Pamela Nolan Young, Finance Director Sean Mangano, Personnel Board member Rebecca Woodland, Assistant Department of Public Works Superintendent Amy Rusiecki and Police Capt. Gabe Ting. Three finalists were selected and then interviewed by Bockelman and Kay Zlogar, a former human resources director who has been serving in an interim capacity.