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Hernando Today

New HR Boss Lists Priorities

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: November 13, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Cheryl Marsden spent much of her first day on the job as Hernando County's human resources director making the rounds of county government.

There were department managers and staffers to meet, not to mention getting her office work ready.

And speaking of work, Marsden already has plans for her department which - under former HR Director Barbara Dupre - had received much media attention, most of it negative.

Marsden said her biggest priority is revising all current personnel policies for "consistency and fairness" because it appears there is no department uniformity.

"We're looking at everything and seeing what needs to be revised," she said.

That review will also encompass the county's compensated absence policy that allows employees to build a financial nest-egg they can cash in annually or upon retirement.

Marsden will also look at a policy that allows some staffers and department managers to work four 10-hour days a week.

Following a cue from County Administrator David Hamilton, she plans to explore the feasibility of a merit-type salary increase for all employees that would replace blanket cost of living hikes.

And, consistent with Hamilton's streamlining efforts to save money, Marsden will be involved in developing an "early separation" policy for staffers.

Marsden stressed all her plans are contingent on the budget and through consultations with legal and administrative officials.

In all, the Iowa native has 16 years HR experience. Since April 2001, Marsden had been the HR director at Black Hawk College in Moline, Ill., where she made $84,000 annually. Before that she was the HR official for Verizon Communications in Davenport, Iowa.

She said she wanted to relocate to Florida to be closer to her family. The warm weather was also an inducement, she joked.

Marsden will make $96,000 annually, plus benefits.

Hamilton said Marsden will be instrumental in the new government reorganization plan that he recently unveiled.

"I came into this knowing it would be a challenge," Marsden said. "David Hamilton told me it is probably the biggest challenge of my life."

Jerry Haines, the human resources department's compensation and safety coordinator, served as interim HR director for the last seven months after the forced resignation of Dupre, who had been in that position for 10 years.

Marsden praised Haines for his work during the transition period.

Dupre resigned after a Tampa law firm determined that she failed to perform her essential job duties and fostered an atmosphere of widespread dissatisfaction among county employees.

Dupre, who made $92,487 as HR director got a $25,000 severance package and another $15,971 in accrued sick leave, vacation leave and paid time off days.

By signing a "waiver and release" agreement, Dupre agreed not to sue the county.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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