City hires new HR director

The city of Elyria has never had a human resources department, but that has changed as it just hired its first human resource director.

Claudia Dillinger, of Lakewood, was chosen to run the department.

Mayor Holly Brinda said she has been lobbying City Council to create a human resource department since she took office five years ago.

“We have about 460 employees and for an organization of this size,” Brinda said. “We have

complex human resource functions that need carried out.”

Dillinger previously worked as the human resource director for the city of Athens and human resource manager for the city of Macedonia.

“We were looking for someone who has a clear understanding of city operations, which Claudia has,” Brinda said. “She also grew up in Westlake, so she is very familiar with the area.”

Over four months, the city had 18 applicants, with only seven chosen to continue in the interview process.

“I worked with the department heads in the interview process and they all made it clear that Claudia was the best candidate for the position,” Brinda said.

Dillinger graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in human resources management and services. She also is a human resource management

certified professional.

Richard Jackson, appointed by Brinda, previously handled human resource duties. After Jackson left the city about a year ago, those duties fell upon Brinda, Safety Service Director Mary Siwierka, Unit Secretary LaTaunya Conley and Assistant Safety Service Director Kevin Brubaker.

Other duties of human resources also were divided up among different departments, Brinda said.

The human resource department currently consists of Dillinger with support from Conley, but could change once Dillinger meets with other departments.

“We want to give her time to meet with department heads and then she can make recommendations on how we can consolidate things,” Brinda said.

By hiring Dillinger, the city could see two major impacts: the new position could provide support to department heads and save the city money, she said.

“I am looking forward to a more permanent support function,” Brinda said.

Dillinger