New leader for PPS Human Resources

Murray is currently the police human resources manager for the Portland Police Bureau, where he has served since 2007 when the position, historically held by a police captain, was civilianized. In that role, he manages all aspects of PPB’s human resources programs.

As PPB’s police human resources manager, Murray developed HR initiatives that significantly increased the number of women and minority police officer hires, established the bureau’s Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Council and its police officer mentorship program, all of which lead to the police bureau receiving the City of Portland’s Bureau Diversity Award for the first time since the establishment of the award by the city council.  Additionally, Murray developed performance evaluations for police officers, as well as a milk expression program for female police officers, and revamped the bureau’s internal background investigation process for sworn and non-sworn employment new hires.

Prior to working for the police bureau, Murray held positions as an HR business partner and a labor relations coordinator in the City of Portland’s Bureau of Human Resources, where he provided employee relations support to bureaus citywide and negotiated collective bargaining  agreements with various labor associations including the Firefighters Association.

Superintendent Smith said, “Sean is an ideal human resources leader for PPS, with his passion, his depth and range of experience, his ability to build trust and to bring about positive changes for employees. He also has a track record of helping public agencies successfully address complex human resources challenges. I look forward to working with Sean to strengthen our Human Resources Department’s capacity to support our schools and bring the highest quality educators and other staff to our school district.”

Murray will start with PPS on Nov. 5. Murray said, “As chief human resources officer, I am very excited to lead a department that is responsible for developing innovative HR initiatives that support PPS’ teachers, principals and other staff so they can support the academic achievement of Portland’s students.”

Michelle Riddell has served as PPS’ interim chief human resources officer and will return to her role as assistant chief human resources officer.  Superintendent Smith said, “I appreciate Michelle’s management of our Human Resources Department over the past year and her leadership through an on-going transformation effort in the department.”

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.