Edina Brings on New Human Resources Director

The has hired Lisa Schaefer to take over as director of the the city's Human Resources department starting in August.

The Human Resources Director position replaces the Assistant to the City Manager position, currently held by Ceil Smith. Smith will retire from her duties in November.

City Manager Scott Neal described Schaefer as "an exceptionally talented person," who has "seen the best and the worst in human resources management from around our state."

"I am looking forward to her bringing that depth of experience and intellect into our organization," Neal said. "She will do great things for us here.” 

Schaefer is presently serving as Human Resources Manager for the League of Minnesota Cities. She has worked there since 2006. She previously worked as the senior human resources generalist for the City of Eden Prairie from 1998-2006.

After earning a bachelor's degree in Applied Psychology from St. Cloud State University, she went on to receive a master's degree in Human Resource Management from St. Thomas University.

The city's initial search to fill the new position was led by Brimeyer Fursman, with more than 80 candidates applying.

Schaefer's initial goals will be to reexamine the city's employee classification and compensation systems, modernize its employee payroll and time-reporting systems and review employee performance measurement and management systems. She will begin working for the city on Monday, Aug. 15.