Grand Rapids Reporter

Following a nationwide search, the City of Grand Rapids has secured its next human resources (HR) director. Randi Bowers-Payne will join the City in the new year to lead the organization's efforts in talent attraction, employee development, workforce retention and labor relations. Bowers-Payne replaces HR Director Desireé A. Frugé who retired August 2.

Randi Bowers-Payne, a seasoned human resources professional from Eugene, Oregon, was selected for her experience in aligning HR activities with strategic goals, embedding best practices, strengthening relationships and enhancing organizational culture. Her employment portfolio includes serving as employee resource center (HR) director for the City of Eugene. She also served as HR administrator/risk manager for the Eugene School District.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. She earned her juris doctor degree from Michigan State University.

Bowers-Payne looks forward to moving back to Michigan, leading the department and overseeing its $3.6 million budget. She brings a particular focus on “total employee health” and a strong background in both labor relations and risk management. She’s genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with the team to build a high-performing, customer-centric organization that values both the individual employee, the City’s client departments, and the public.

“The opportunity to work for and with the people who serve the City of Grand Rapids is a dream come true,” she said. “I enthusiastically look forward to building relationships and supporting systems that advance wellbeing and belonging for every employee and community member interacting with the City of Grand Rapids Human Resources team.”

City Manager Mark Washington said he is excited to have Bowers-Payne join his administrative team. “Randi’s proficiency in HR strategy, talent attraction and retention, succession planning, performance management, organizational culture enhancement, and implementation of diversity and inclusion initiatives, will be a benefit to the department and the organization. I look forward to welcoming her and her family to Grand Rapids.”

Bowers-Payne is scheduled to start with the City of Grand Rapids on January 16, 2024.

Original source can be found here.