Town Manager Cindy Blackmore announces the selection of Laura Kyriakakis for the newly created position of Assistant Town Manager/Human Resources Director effective June 23,2024. Kyriakakis has served the Town as Human Resource Director since February of 2015.
“I am extremely pleased to announce the selection of such an enthusiastic, collaborative, and experienced professional,” said Town Manager Blackmore. “Laura’s 10 years with the town combined with her perspective and service excellence, will help me to continue to take our organization to new levels of performance and efficiency.”
Kyriakakis looks forward to working with Town Manager Blackmore in this new role to foster programs and processes needed to support the town mission and provide commitment to employee well-being, empowerment, growth, and retention stating, “My leadership style is collaborative and supportive, and I’m a big advocate of proactive communication, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity. I’m always looking to utilize team strengths, champion professional growth, and am committed to continually promoting strong relationships, employee engagement and a positive work environment.”
Kyriakakis has over 32 years of experience in Human Resources with a strong background in employee relations, recruitment, compensation & benefits, risk management, and business management & strategy. Of those 32 years, 24 years are in leadership and management roles and 17 specifically in the public sector. Kyriakakis holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration Management. Additionally, she holds certifications as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute, as a Certified Professional (CP) from the Society of Human Resources Management, and most recently receiving a High-Performance Leadership Master Certification from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
Outside of work, Assistant Town Manager Kyriakakis likes to take advantage of the amazing outdoors and you will frequently find her mountain biking on the hundreds of single-track miles that our beautiful Arizona State has to offer.
The new role of Assistant Town Manager / Department Director was advertised internally to department heads as hybrid position which would blend the new duties with the selected candidate’s current role. “In a small town like ours maximizing efficiencies with staffing, especially at the top level, is crucial to fiscally responsible government.” Blackmore created this dual role to provide the expanded managerial and administrative oversight the town desperately needs without adding a new position to the payroll.
Kyriakakis will be formally introduced with her additional title of Assistant Town Manager at the Town Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Council meetings begin at 6:00 pm and are held at Town Hall, 202 N. State Route 89, Chino Valley.
