SPS fills chief HR role with former CU exec

Springfield Public Schools hired a former City Utilities executive as chief human resources officer.

Lisa Turner will take over the position next month after nearly four years away from the Queen City working as chief HR officer for the clerk and comptroller’s office of Palm Beach County, Fla., according to a news release.

She’ll succeed Parker McKenna, who is exiting the role April 15 to start as director of human resources for Omaha, Neb.-based Union Pacific Corp. (NYSE: UNP). McKenna has worked for SPS since 2005.

Prior to relocating to Florida in 2012, Turner worked at CU for three decades, most recently as associate general manager of human resources and communications.

Turner is scheduled to start May 16 leading HR for the 4,000-employee district. She’ll earn a salary of $138,000.

"Ms. Turner has a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit Springfield Public Schools, its employees and students," Superintendent John Jungmann said in the release. "She is a distinguished leader with a passion for quality customer service who will help us continue our outstanding work in the area of human resources as we ensure that we employ the highest possible level of talent to best meet the needs of our students."

In the release, Turner said she also would bring her knack for mentoring others.

“Coming back to Springfield and working for Springfield Public Schools felt like a natural fit for me to continue pursuing both of my passions,” she said in the release.