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Springfield, MO

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Parker McKennaSBJ file photo
Parker McKenna

SBJ file photo

SPS HR director resigns for new job

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Parker McKenna, chief human resources officer for Springfield Public Schools, is stepping down to take an out-of-state job.

In an email sent to SPS employees and obtained by Springfield Business Journal, Superintendent John Jungmann said McKenna would stay on through mid-April to ease the transition.

“We look forward to identifying a candidate who will build upon the foundation Parker and his HR team have created and advance us further in our efforts to create a culture that empowers employees and provides each student access to a qualified and effective teacher in every classroom, an effective principal in every school and an effective employee in every position,” Jungmann said in the email, noting the district would post a job listing to solicit candidates.

McKenna, who could not be reached for comment by deadline, accepted a job as director of human resources for Omaha, Neb.-based Union Pacific, said SPS spokeswoman Teresa Bledsoe.

An SPS employee since 2005, McKenna leads HR for a district that employs some 4,000. During his tenure, he’s led efforts to redesign staff performance evaluations, implement talent management initiatives and monitor staff engagement and satisfaction. He’s also volunteered with the Springfield Area Human Resources Association, taught HR graduate courses at Webster University and graduated from Leadership Springfield. In 2014, McKenna was one of SBJ’s 40 Under 40 honorees.

“Parker has proven himself to be a leader with integrity and a passion for providing for those he serves,” Jungmann said in the email.

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