Norwalk Names New Chief Human Resources Officer

NORWALK, CT — The city has announced Tuesday a new chief human resources officer for Norwalk with over 15 years of strategic experience.

According to a news release provided by the city, Mayor Harry Rilling has appointed Sharon Torres to the position, who officially began her new position Tuesday.

"We are excited to welcome Sharon Torres as our new chief human resources officer," Rilling said in a news release. "Torres brings over 15 years of strategic chief human resources experience to the city of Norwalk, including in the corporate, nonprofit, and social service sectors. I look forward to having her on our team and know that the city will benefit from all the experience she brings."

Torres most recently served as Catholic Guardian Services' chief human resources officer, a social services agency with over 1,000 employees that provides a wide range of services to a diverse client population in the New York area.

She led their human resources design and execution strategy, supporting talent management and organizational effectiveness, according to the city.

Prior to that, Torres served as the director of human resources at the American Institute for Foreign Study, a cultural exchange organization with 500 employees that organizes programs across the globe for more than 50,000 participants each year, according to the city.

She has experience developing policies that support talent management and organizational effectiveness, and a track record of creating inclusive, transparent work cultures, city officials noted.

In her personal capacity, Torres volunteers with her local government, animal shelter and food pantry. She lives with her two dogs, Mischief and Gracie, both rescues, and her hobbies include volleyball, backgammon, reading and travel.

"I am honored and excited to join the city of Norwalk as chief human resources officer," Torres said in a news release. "This is an incredible opportunity to partner with city leadership, employees, and the community to strengthen our workforce, enhance employee engagement, and build a people-centered culture that reflects Norwalk's values. I look forward to contributing to the city's mission and advancing initiatives that make Norwalk an even greater place to live, work and thrive."