Darien’s next human resources director has the distinction of not only having worked in the field for almost four decades, but he’ll have worked in both Darien, Illinois and Darien, Connecticut.
First Selectman Jayme Stevenson announced Monday afternoon that W. Lee Palmer Jr., who has been chief of human resources for Norwalk Public Schools for a year, will be the next human resources director for the town of Darien, starting Monday, July 6.
Palmer has worked in personnel jobs for both the public and private sectors, including 28 years in various posts in Connecticut state government. Palmer also worked in various public school districts and in private companies, including a position as president of Management Development Consultants in Darien, Ill.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Connecticut.
Here’s the news release from the First Selectman’s Office:
It is my great pleasure to announce Mr. W. Lee Palmer, Jr. will be joining the Town of Darien as Human Resources Director on Monday, July 6th. With nearly 40 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors, Mr. Palmer is an accomplished Human Resources and Administrative leader in his field. Along with his significant experience in Human Resources, he also brings to the Town of Darien, expertise in Business Administration, Labor and Employee Relations, Contract Negotiations and Administration, Performance Management, Training and Development, Talent Acquisition, Employee Benefits, Policy Development, Strategic and Workforce Planning, Organizational Development, Information Technology and Financial Management.
Mr. Palmer worked for the State of Connecticut in a variety of capacities over 28 years including Labor Relations Advisor, Deputy Commissioner/Director of Programs and Treatment at the Department of Corrections, Director of Human Resources for the Department of Labor and Director of Administration for the Departments of Labor and Corrections.
After leaving the employ of the State of Connecticut, he served as Director of Human Resources for Intermediate School District #287 in Plymouth, Minnesota, Executive Director of Human Resources and Information Technology for Round Lake Area Schools in Round Lake, Illinois and President of Management Development Consultants in Darien, Illinois. Mr. Palmer comes to Darien directly from the Norwalk Public School District where he has served as Chief of Human Resources since June, 2014.
Mr. Palmer received his Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude (1975) from Syracuse University, Master of Public Affairs with Distinction from University of Connecticut (1978), State of Illinois Chief School Business Official Professional Educators License and Certificate of Achievement from Northern Illinois University School of Business.
The unique breadth of Mr. Palmer’s professional experience and expertise in government and public school administration will be a great benefit to the Town of Darien.