Easton named to head state human resources

Lee-Ann Easton has been named administrator of the state Division of Human Resources, formerly the Personnel Department.

Effective next week, she will replace Teresa Thienhaus, who is moving out of state.

Director of Administration Jeff Mohlenkamp cited Easton's 23 years of experience in human resources, including at the Public Employee Benefits Program. She is currently in charge of human resources within the Department of Administration, which she originally joined as a personnel technician. Her current duties include overseeing human resource functions within administration, assisting the director with day-to-day operations and providing oversight to the department's personnel office.

He said her experience includes all aspects of human resources including employee relations, recruiting, training, workplace investigations, personnel hearings and relations with employee associations.

In October, the Department of Personnel was merged into the Department of Administration and renamed the Division of Human Resources Management.

"With Lee-Ann's extensive human resources experience, her collaborative approach and outstanding work ethic, I am confident she will contine to move the division towards our goals of improved employee and agency relations, enhanced efficiency and the successful development of centralized human resources services," Mohlenkamp said.