We’ve had a busy and exciting stretch, and this edition is full of standout updates. Not only do we have important information to share, but we are also celebrating employees who have been recognized for their hard work. A lot is happening across our team, and I hope you take a moment to read everything we ’ ve included.
Thank you for your continued hard work and engagement—we truly succeed because of you.
By now you ’ ve heard the buzz! We are officially reinventing how we gather as a department. Planning is underway for our summer retreat in August - a day focused on learning, growth, and recharging as a team.
When: August 19, 2026, from 8 AM - 3:30 PM
Where:
GettingThere: Complimentary parking will be available at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church next to the Eastlake Park Community Center. You can also park downtown and take the bus or light rail - both have stops near the Community Center. Did you know City employees ride for free? To get your free Valley Metro Platinum Bus/Light Rail Pass, visit the HR Connection Center (Calvin C. Goode Building, 1st floor), Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm. Bring a valid ID. Questions? Call 602-495- 5700.
We will continue to share updates about our summer retreat in the coming Resource newsletters. Stay tuned!
Be advised that the Personnel Rules were amended in October 2025. Please ensure you are consulting the most current version when referencing or applying any personnel rules. Using the updated document will help maintain accuracy and consistency across all administrative processes. The latest rules can be found HERE.
Organizational Development is proud to recognize the first graduating cohort of the Phoenix Supervisor Orientation (PSO) program. A total of 19 employees from 13 City departments completed the eight-week training.
PSO ensures all City supervisors share the same knowledge, skills, and expectations, so we lead with alignment and clarity across our organization. Supervisors come together for a half day each week to learn essential tools and make connections to support their success in the City.
Newly hired or promoted supervisors are automatically enrolled, and new cohorts begin monthly. For more information, email PSO@phoenix.gov.
Coming to the HR Department on June18, 2026
Information Technology Services (ITS) is introducing a new way to print documents. With Print Anywhere, you'll be able to print at any enabled City printer/copier. It's secure, it's convenient, and here's how it works! ITS will install the Print Anywhere feature as the default printer on your City computer. Initiate a print job from your computer, then go to the network printer of your choice when you are ready to print. You'll use your employee badge to confirm your identity by tapping it on the badge scanner on the printer. Then follow the prompts to access and print your documents. Instructional posters will be located at all the printers in the HR Department work locations. More information coming soon!
HR Liaisons streamline hiring by guiding managers early, ensuring strong preparation, and keeping requisitions moving.
Advise early: Explore reallocations, underfills, or dual fills before opening a requisition.
Prep completely: Gather job details, interviews, matrix criteria, and panel availability upfront.
Monitor drafts: Review aging drafts weekly and prompt action or closure.
Support Class & Comp: Provide complete hire-above documentation and coordinate as needed.
Work concurrently: Run salary reviews and background checks at the same time to speed up post-offer steps.
These actions reduce Time to Fill and create a smoother hiring experience for departments and candidates.
Biometric
8 a.m.-1
On-site
2nd
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
More information about all these events and more can be found on the WellnessWebsite.
Three team members from the Benefits and Wellness division recently completed requirements with the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP) to enhance their knowledge and skills. The IFEBP is a non-profit
organization that educates and supports professionals who manage these programs.
Alicia Eshenbaugh and Stephanie Zuffranieri completed the Certificate in Health and Welfare Plan
Desiree Pompa completed the certificate in Benefit Plan Administration
The nomination period for the Year-End Employee Recognition Awards is now open!
Who Can Nominate: Depending on the category, both supervisors and employees can nominate an individual or a team. You can choose to submit a confidential nomination, ensuring your details as the nominator remain private.
What to submit: Detailed explanations (1 paragraph/5-7 sentences) of why the employee deserves the award are required; Incomplete responses (e.g., "N/A") will not be reviewed.
Deadline: Nominations close at the end of the day on Friday, October 30, 2026.
Awards Presented: December Year-End All Staff Meeting
HR Department Awards Categories:
Collaboration Catalyst
Everyday Hero
Extra Miles Excellence
Raising the Bar
Rookie Rockstar
HRAll Stars Shining Star
To submit a nomination, click HERE.
The following employees have been recognized:
Neighborhood ImpactAward:
Wanda Easly-Small
Gina Ohland
Joanna Mendez
Toni Mena
Bree Esparza
The team’s contributions to strengthening our workforce have been outstanding. Their collaborative efforts with departments ensured positions were filled quickly and thoughtfully, supporting operational needs throughout our department.
-Spencer Self, NSD Director
Jerrold Crowder (Organizational Development)
The Bleeding Control Initiative Team Award
Tom Garrett promot Curriculum/Trainin Planning and Develo (Employee Relations
McKay Peterson tran Public Works to the R
Make May your month of mastery. Learn something new by jumping into PHXYou.
HRS167-ILT-Effective Communication
HRS169-ILT-Imposter Syndrome
HRS170-ILT-SLII Experience
HRS129-ILT-Supervision 101
How long have you worked for the City?
Just over a year
What is your astrological sign?
What hobby/activity do you love doing outside of work??
What other profession would you like to try?
What are you binge-watching right now?
What’s your go-to snack?
What was the last thing you listened to on the way to work?
Which app do you open first in the morning?
Bucket list vacation you haven’t been on yet:
What is the best-Kept Secret in Phoenix?
Taurus ♉
Fishing
Fighter pilot / Flight medic
Lincoln Lawyer Goldfish
“The Huberman Lab” podcast Email Alaska fishing trip
Park
May 2026