CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

Angela brings over 15 years of experience providing Human Resource services in both the private and public sectors. She earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work and her Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Montana and currently holds a national HR certification. She is a servant leader who is passionate about educating employees and managers on legal and best practices found within inclusive, high functioning organizations and takes a practical approach to Human Resources while working to help managers build and maintain effective workforces—their greatest asset! When she isn’t providing services to the City of Missoula, she is at work in her garden and spending time with her busy family.  

Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Develop and implement a HR plan that aligns with the overall mission and strategy of the City.  
• Provide HR guidance on special projects, talent reviews, training, change management, organizational design and strategic HR planning. 
• Develop comprehensive approaches for employee development, retention, and onboarding by refining or creating:  compensation and benefits, career paths and employee development, succession planning, and learning opportunities appropriate to the needs of the City. 
• Respond to HR demands of the City; assist in articulating HR policy at all levels. 
• Manage labor relations to ensure a partnership between the City and employee bargaining units; represent the City as chief spokesperson during collective bargaining. 
• Coach and counsel management in developing themselves and their teams to achieve improved performance and engagement. 
• Counsel, coach and guide managers and staff in addressing concerns and complaints to assure fair and equitable treatment while ensuring compliance with labor agreements, HR policies, and relevant regulations. 
• Mediate employee relations and performance issues while providing counsel to managers on appropriate methods of performance management.

SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES GENERALIST 

Dalton (he/him/his), is a skillful leader dedicated to growing and sustaining effective working relationships while supporting collaboration across all organizational levels. He encourages all city employees to learn from our community, to grow and strengthen service delivery, and invite open communication. These endeavors reflect his commitment to transforming and redesigning how government works using Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as a focal point. Dalton is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Administration from the University of Montana; he received a B.A. in Organizational Communication, minored in Non-Profit Administration, and holds an Associate degree in Accounting and Business Technology.  

Roy is a 7-year-old Siberian Husky, who accompanies Dalton. As Chief Happiness Officer, Roy’s only job is to spread joy and bring a smile to people's faces wherever he goes. He enjoys meeting new people and receiving scratches behind the ear. 

Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Develop strong relationships with City leadership and managers throughout the organization to help drive and influence results for a human-centered government.  
• Develop, maintain, and analyze various analytical and operational reports within HR which provide operational information and statistical data for management/department use; lead EEO-4 Data collection and reporting. 
• Provide guidance and recommendations for current and future operational/administrative policy, procedures, requirements, and guidelines, including assisting with implementation.
• Implement vision, strategies, plans, and goals of the City throughout the employee life cycle; Leads development and implementation of the internal onboarding process for all new hires.  
• Attend and participate in employee disciplinary meetings, performance improvement, terminations, and investigations; assist with the interactive process for accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act; assist with labor relations to include interpretation and compliance with Collective Bargaining Agreements. 
• Monitor and administers the electronic Performance Evaluation software program and internal processes for formal performance evaluations.   
• Represent HR in meetings with the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission and other City entities as assigned.  
• Support the Departments of: Fire, Parks & Recreation, Central Services and CPDI

RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST

Emmalee Plenger brings over 25 years of Human Resource experience to the City of Missoula serving as the Recruitment Specialist. Having worked for the Montana University System in Bozeman and Missoula, she brings the skills and experience of payroll, benefits, staff training, and recruitment. She has been an employee of integrity that follows the Mission and Vision of each institution.  

Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Create targeted job postings to capture the attention of qualified applicants. 
• Implement efficient and effective recruiting methods based on the specific position/industry to ensure the creation of a diverse and highly-qualified pool. 
• Assist managers in developing screening criteria used for the application review and interviewing processes, reviewing managers’ selection justifications, and conducting reference and background while confirming the hiring process is in compliance with all laws, policies and Collective Bargaining Agreements. 
• Collaborate with managers and other Human Resource staff to assist with identifying starting salaries, incentives, start dates, benefits, targeted recruitment efforts, and other details. 
• Collect recruitment and hiring data for tracking key departmental performance metrics. 
• Provide guidance to hiring managers on best practices for onboarding and serve as a member of the New Employee Experience team. 

RISK AND SAFETY MANAGER

Mike has been the Risk/Safety Manager since December of 2019, having served over 30 years in law enforcement with the City of Missoula.  Prior to that Mike worked for both Missoula and Mineral counties after earning his BA in Social Work from the University of Montana.   

Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Manage insurance and safety issues which may expose the City to liability and claims. 
• Serve as the Health Plan Administrator of the City's self-funded insurance benefit program. 
• Oversee management of the City’s Workers’ Compensation programs; serve as liaison with the insurance provider. 
• Manage private security hired to screen entry to City Hall and downtown facilities. 
• Lead City Wide Safety committee and oversight of the City Safety Plan. 
• Evaluate impact of policy, practice and legislation on the City’s insurance, safety and Workers' Compensation programs. 
• Review, analyze and evaluate City safety, emergency and disaster plans which are under current development.

HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Rachel is an avid lifelong learner with a background in psychology, health and wellness, and social work. She has devoted over 25 years of her professional career to helping individuals from all walks of life in a variety of environments. With a heart dedicated to service, Rachel looks forward to continuing her work in the Missoula community, making a positive impact on the lives of those around her. When not working, she can be found hiking scenic trails, getting lost in a good book, or spending quality time with her family and dogs.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Maintain personnel files and employee data in various electronic systems. 
• Maintain, and prepare files, records, policy manuals, correspondence, and other documents.
• Process time sheets and requests for verification of employment and other general personnel related inquiries. 
• Process purchase orders and payments, including coding and tracking invoices.
• Provide exceptional customer service, answering questions and connecting internal and external customers with the appropriate HR team members.

EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE SPECIALIST

Risa began her career with the City of Missoula in 2020, and moved through the ranks to her current role as an Employee Experience Specialist. She brings 10+ years of customer service and administrative experience with her. She believes in a high level of professionalism and strives to make the workplace a positive and productive environment.

Outside of work, Risa can usually be found gardening, enjoying crafts, or studying a foreign language.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Manage the onboarding process of new hires from acceptance to first day logistics. 
• Serve as the HR team project manager for various projects throughout the department.
• Coordinate with HR Generalists to ensure employee engagement at the City of Missoula.
• Maintain all personnel files and employee data in various electronic systems. 
• Create and maintain forms for use across all departments citywide.
• Maintain the HR webpage.
• Provide exceptional customer service, answering questions and connecting internal and external customers with the appropriate HR team members. 

CLASSIFICATION SPECIALIST

BENEFITS SPECIALIST

Tiffany (she/her/hers) brings over a decade of public service experience to our Human Resources team. She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of Montana and an Associate degree in Office Administration. She is committed to enhancing employee experience through benefits assistance and educational initiatives, ensuring that all employees are well-informed and supported. Outside of work, Tiffany can be found helping raise a kind and inclusive super-rad kiddo, diving into a good book, or enjoying the outdoor adventures our vibrant city has to offer.

Duties include but are not limited to: 

• Administer employee benefits programs, including eligibility determination, new hire enrollments and processing life claims.
• Provide guidance and instructions to employees for life changes. 
• Provide support with administering protected and personal leaves of absence. 
• Process requests, monitor and track Donated Leave. 
• Coordinate services of Allegiance Benefit Plan Management and MPERA (Montana Public Employee Administration).
• Maintain health screening tracking for the reduced deductible health plan. 
• Process retiree health insurance payments & health reconciliation.