Longtime Springfield HR director to retire

The city of Springfield’s 18-year human resources director announced her retirement today, becoming the second city director to do so in as many months.

Sheila Maerz’s retirement will be effective Oct. 20. The notice follows the city’s announcement earlier this week that it named an interim director of finance for the retiring Mary Mannix Decker, whose last day is today. Certified Public Accountant David Holtmann starts in the interim position July 25.

Maerz joined the city as HR director in October 1998 and has been responsible for employment, classification, salary administration, payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, training and development, labor relations, safety and workers’ compensation, according to a news release.

“Sheila’s expertise has been vital to the growth and change within the city of Springfield,” City Manager Greg Burris said in the release. “Her leadership in moving us toward becoming an employer of choice will leave a lasting legacy in our community as we continue to recruit the best and the brightest.”

During her time with the Queen City, Maerz negotiated the city’s first collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters and Springfield Police Officers’ Association/FOP.

The HR director position will be posted to the city’s website in August, according to the release.