Webinar: How to Identify High-Potential Employees

Lifelong public servant with over 34 years of experience in municipal government.  A passion for continuous learning and making positive, creative, and impactful improvements that benefit the public as a whole.  Understand the importance of collaborative and team - oriented approach needed for success in the public arena with emphasis on building lasting partnerships that create a win – win environment for all.

City of Strongsville, Ohio:  December of 1997 – Current

Director of Human Resources since January, 2011: Strategic partner of a progressive Northeast Ohio Suburb of Cleveland.  City of approximately 47,000 residents; Aaa rated community that is one of only 16 communities in the State of Ohio.  Strongsville operates as a Mayor/Council form of Government.  The Human Resource Director position oversees all benefit plans including broker oversight; all wellness initiatives; contract negotiations of seven labor union contracts; manages all compliance related matters (including: ADA, FMLA, EEOC); compensation and position classification; recruitment; retention; DEIA efforts; leadership development and succession planning.

Prior to 2011: City of Strongsville Recreation Department – Director 2004-2010; Asst. Director 2000-2004; Recreation Supervisor 1997-1999.

City of Brook Park, Ohio: July 1991 – December 1997

Deputy Director of Recreation

Education:

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education from Bowling Green State University, Concentration - Sport Management – 1988

Juris Doctorate (JD) from Cleveland Marshall College of Law – 2001

Admitted to Practice Law in the State of Ohio 2002 

Trudena Horsey is a strategic leader with over 15 years of experience in human resources, public administration, and financial management beginning her career in local government in 2008. She is a collaborative and forward-thinking professional skilled at navigating complex challenges, fostering positive work environments, and delivering innovative solutions. In her current position as the Human Resources Director at Kent County Levy Court , she provides strategic HR counsel to elected officials, the County Administrator, department heads, and supervisors. She also directs labor negotiations , administers the County's comprehensive property and liability insurance programs , and manages employee and retiree benefit programs. She holds an MPA from Delaware State University , an MBA from Wilmington University , and a BS in Accounting from Wilmington College. Her professional certifications include Public Sector Human Resources Association - Certified Professional (PSHRA-CP) and Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP). Additionally, she serves as a board trustee and Vice-Chair for the DeLea Founders Insurance Trust (DFIT).

Jen Sinatra, MPA, SCP, is a seasoned HumanResources Director with over 15 years of experience leading HR departments inthe public and nonprofit sectors. Jen’sexpertise is rooted in the full employee experience, from hiring and onboardingto performance, engagement, and everything in between. She has a stronginterest in building or revitalizing HR departments, strengthening benefitofferings, and helping teams work through issues with fairness and clarity.With a background in union environments and a deep respect for public service,Jen is drawn to roles where she can bring structure to complex settings,improve how organizations support their people, and make HR more approachable,transparent, and effective.

Patricia is a Jamaican, wife, mother, friend, and Human Resources professional. She holds several certifications and degrees, but she is most proud of the life training and ongoing development she receives from being a learning member of a blended community of experiences. Patricia believes that her family, her colleagues, and her HR team all teach her about relationships, second chances, relevance, love, and care for those you know (and don't know), and about keeping an open mind in the pursuit of professional relevance. She believes that life is about understanding and respecting fences and boundaries. A favorite quote comes from Robert Frost’s Poem, “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors”, and the teachings from a good Book, which tells us to look not only after our own interests but also the interests of others. Patricia is passionate about people development and makes this her life’s work, both professionally and personally. She serves as the HR Director at the City of Beaverton and is a certified coach of the Six Types of Working Geniuses. She serves on several boards and committees, including most recently, the Oregon Public Employer’s Labor Relations Association (ORPELRA), the  Community Resource Group for Partners in Diversity, Portland, and Linfield University’s Women in Leadership Certificate Program. Patricia likes to embrace alternative approaches to the development of people of all ages and stages of life, especially during these times of severe change.