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All Departments Administration Corrections Development Services Facilities Management Human Resources Information Technology Library Services Management and Budget Services Natural Resources Management Neighborhood and Human Services Parks and Recreation Public Safety Public Works Veterans Services Waste ServicesEscambia County is pleased to announce Nikki Powell has been selected as the county’s Human Resources Director. Powell’s promotion was included as a recommendation at the May 20 Board of County Commissioners meeting, which passed unanimously. Her responsibilities as Human Resources Director include enforcing the county’s human resources policies, procedures and labor agreements, coordinating a comprehensive benefit program, and serving as the County Ethics Officer.
Powell brings over 20 years of experience in local government to the role. She joined the Board of County Commissioners in 2022 as Labor Relations Manager, where she maintained the county’s labor relations programs, policies and procedures, monitored and interpreted employee and labor relations trends, and assisted the Human Resources Department in developing pay scales and analyzing employee wages and benefits. She has served in the Interim Human Resources Director role since December 2023.
“I’m extremely honored and humbled to step into the role,” Powell said. “I want to thank the board for their vote of confidence in me as Human Resources Director, and I’m grateful for the support from County Administration and my fellow directors. We have an amazing Human Resources team who welcomed me with open arms when I became interim director, and I couldn’t ask for a better team to work alongside. I look forward to continuing our department’s hard work in this new capacity.”
In addition, Powell has played a significant role in Escambia County’s labor relations process, overseeing bargaining sessions with the county’s bargaining groups. She is an active member of the county’s negotiation team, providing analytical support for labor relations matters while maintaining a positive relationship with union members.
As she transitions into the permanent director role, Powell remains committed to collaborating with county departments to obtain qualified applicants while ensuring equal employment opportunities for all candidates. She will continue to work with county leadership to develop a strategic plan for the Human Resources Department while maintaining a fair and consistent business model in the department, updating policies and streamlining procedures to ensure efficient practices.
Prior to joining Escambia County, Powell was Accounting Operations Supervisor for the Escambia County Clerk of the Court from 2013-2022, where she was instrumental in preparing, verifying, and processing payroll for approximately 2,000 employees, compiling financial data, and monitoring and interpreting changes in federal, state, and local laws. Powell’s career in local government began in 1998 at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, where she served until 2004.
“I’m excited to see Nikki in the permanent director role,” County Administrator Wes Moreno said. “She has a great reputation throughout the county and has done a fantastic job with our union negotiations. I’m confident Nikki will continue to foster a positive work environment throughout Escambia County, and I look forward to continuing our work as we drive toward excellence.”
The mission of Escambia County government is to provide efficient, responsive services that enhance our quality of life, meet common needs and promote a safe and healthy community.
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