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Director of Human Resources Marissa Cannon

Director of Human Resources Marissa Cannon

Marissa Cannon joined the East Greenbush Central School District on Monday as the new Director of Human Resources. She will succeed Assistant Superintendent for Personnel and Professional Development Michele Bowman, who is retiring later this month.

Ms. Cannon has worked in human resources for the past five years at the City School District of Albany. She recruited and hired more than 350 employees, managed time and attendance for approximately 1,700 employees, participated in union negotiations, oversaw benefits administration and developed a new employee orientation program.

A graduate of Siena College and Union Graduate College, Ms. Cannon will be responsible for the recruitment and hiring of all East Greenbush employees. Other duties include labor relations, employee orientation and a host of reporting and compliance responsibilities. Ms. Cannon will also serve on the senior leadership team and a number of committees.

We sat down with Ms. Cannon this week to learn more about her and the new position.

Q: How is the job going so far?
A: So far it has been great! My first project is going to be new staff orientation on Monday. That will be nice because I can meet our new employees and our administrators.

Q: Why did you want this job?
A: I’ve been training for this job. I spent five and a half years in Albany and I’ve been able to build the fundamental building blocks of human resources. I’ve been involved in everything from onboarding new employees, benefits administration, employee leave, to labor negotiations. Now I’ll be able to lead the department, have more of a voice and continue moving us towards success.

Q: What are some of your goals as Director of Human Resources?
A: My first goal is to get to know everybody. I want to get into the buildings, be visible and accessible. I want everybody to know that I’m approachable and fair. Additionally, one of the biggest goals for a public school district is to recruit and retain top talent because that leads to student success.

Q: What made this a good fit for you?
A: I’ve lived in the Capital District my entire life – I graduated from Shaker High School, I went to Siena College and then got my MBA at Union Graduate College – so I’ve been very tied to this area. This is an opportunity to continue working in a rewarding career at a great school district. Just this year, East Greenbush Central School District was named a Top Workplace by the Times Union, so there’s nowhere I’d rather work than right here.

Q: What are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m most looking forward to being in a leadership role and taking on a new challenge. I’ve been preparing myself for this. I can’t wait to meet our school community, go to after school events and football games and really become part of the East Greenbush community.

Q: What do you enjoy about working in public education?
A: That’s a good question. Everything. I grew up in a public school district. There are students of all different learning levels. Every student, every faculty and staff member is different and that’s what I like about it. And while everyone is different, we all have a common goal, and that is the success of students. It’s something I believe in.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: I’m excited to be a part of the East Greenbush Central School District. I can’t wait for opening day and to visit each of our schools and meet our staff. I’m here for them and to support the East Greenbush Central School District.