Madison - Mayor Dave Cieslewicz today announced the selection of former City Labor Relations Specialist Brad Wirtz as the Director of the Human Resources Department. Wirtz will replace Interim Human Resources Director Roger Goodwin who recently announced his plans to retire in September.

"Brad brings an important combination of technical experience and strong leadership," said Mayor Cieslewicz. "During his six years as one of the City's labor negotiators, he gained tremendous respect from both labor and management as a tough but fair negotiator. Brad knows how to get things done by building consensus in the midst of conflict."

For the past year, Wirtz has served as Human Resources Director for the Kettle Moraine School District. During his tenure, the district settled with the teachers union prior to the expiration of the existing contract for the first time in 12 years. His work there included management of labor relations, benefits, job classifications, compensation issues, workers' compensation, personnel records, organizational development and training, leave policies, and occupational accommodations. He also spent two years as a Human Resources Manager for the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Wirtz also has a strong academic background, with a Masters in Human Resources/Labor Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Public Administration. He is a native of Wisconsin Rapids.

"It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to serve the City of Madison as Human Resources Director," Wirtz said. "I am looking forward to working with City staff and various employee unions in a cooperative effort to overcome the inevitable challenges and celebrate the many successes that we will see in the years to come."

"I know from personal experience working across the bargaining table with Brad that he is honest, hardworking and experienced. He will serve both employees and taxpayers well," said Michael Murphy, former president of AFSCME Local 60 and member of the interview panel.

"Brad shares my belief that City government's most valuable asset is its employees," Cieslewicz said. "He will be a strong addition to my management team."

Wirtz will assume the Director position on September 24, 2007.