Melissa Loiodice-Walker Named Amherst’s New Human Resources Director

Source: amherestma.gov

Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced the appointment of Melissa Loiodice-Walker, J.D., M.S.W. as the Town’s new Human Resources Director. The appointment is subject to review by the Town Council.

Loiodice-Walker is the Executive Director and lead of the Human Resources Department at Berkshire Community College. She manages the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources Department and serves on the President’s Cabinet and other key committees. Prior to her work at the College, Loiodice-Walker worked as an attorney for fourteen years. 

Loiodice-Walker has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, a Master of Social Work degree from the Springfield College School of Social Work, and a Juris Doctorate from Western New England University School of Law. She excelled in all three educational environments. 

In addition to her degrees, Loiodice-Walker is a licensed attorney and member of the Massachusetts Bar and is a Certified Mediator. 

Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman said, “Ms. Loiodice-Walker is experienced in all major Human Resources functions such as recruitment, employment, compensation, employee relations, labor relations, and training and development initiatives. Her experience as an attorney in employment law and work at a public institution of higher education with a unionized workforce provide valuable experience for her work in the Town of Amherst.” 

Loiodice-Walker stated, “I am delighted and appreciative for the opportunity to work with the Town of Amherst as Human Resources Director. I am looking forward to contributing to the important work ahead.” 

Bockelman established a Human Resources Director Screening Committee to review the candidates. The Committee was chaired by DEI Director Pamela Nolan Young and included Finance Director Sean Mangano; Rebecca Woodland, member of the Personnel Board and Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Massachusetts; Amy Rusiecki, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works; and Gabe Ting, Police Captain. Angela Mills from the Town Manager’s office provided support and guidance. 

The committee screened applications, conducted interviews, and selected finalists. The finalists were interviewed a second time and given a written exercise to perform. 

The committee then forwarded three names to the Town Manager for consideration. Temporary Human Resources Director Kay Zlogar and Bockelman interviewed these three candidates. 

DEI Director and search committee chair, Pamela Nolan-Young, added, “Melissa and I share a similar background, both attorneys, both Human Resources Directors at Community Colleges and both committed to professionalism and inclusive excellence. I look forward to our work together on the town’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.” 

Paul Bockelman concluded, “Ms. Loiodice-Walker’s references spoke highly of her integrity, compassion, professionalism, and legal knowledge. One said she was a unique candidate, an amazing team member, thoughtful, kind, and an advocate for employees but loyal to the team and a great thought partner. Another said that she thinks about things systemically and brings a social justice perspective to her analysis. I, and the other staff of the town welcome Melissa and look forward to working with her.”