TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Tallahassee City Manager has hired two people for two top city jobs including Chief of Police.
A release sent out Tuesday names Michael DeLeo has the new Chief of Police, just hired by City Manager Anita Favors Thompson. DeLeo is a 19-year veteran of law enforcement with experience with the Plantation Police Department in Plantation, Florida. He currently serves as Deputy Chief, second in command, and in charge of the department's day-to-day operations overseeing 325 employees and a $36 million budget
In his new role, starting January 6, 2014, DeLeo will oversee a department with 423 employees and a $48 million budget.
"We have a history of hiring experienced, outstanding, ethical leaders with a focus on service," said Favors Thompson. "These new leaders continue that tradition, and I am confident they will help us in our ongoing mission to be the best local government in the nation."
DeLeo replaces former chief Dennis Jones who announced his early retirement in September amid on going controversies including the handling of a suspected drunk driver.
Thompson also hired Ellen Blair is the City's new Human Resources Manager. Blair has more than 20 years of management experience in Human Resources, most recently serving as Chief of Talent Management for the City of Jacksonville. Her work history includes labor relations, staff recruitment, benefit administration, collective bargaining agreement negotiations, employee training and personnel policy development to ensure compliance with federal and state statues, among other duties and accomplishments.
Blair earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration, both in Human Resources, from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. She also maintains several certifications in the field of Human Resources. She assumes her position with the City of Tallahassee on December 9.
The Human Resources Department for the City of Tallahassee provides services that support City operations and address the workplace needs of approximately 2,800 employees. Blair will manage a $3 million budget and direct 29 employees.
An announcement on the director of the Consolidated Dispatch Agency (a position reporting to the City Manager, County Administrator and Sheriff) and an announcement on the new Tallahassee Fire Chief are anticipated to take place in the next week.
