Marsha Gupton
27th June 2006, 05:21 PM (17:21)
Bredesen Names veteran human resources executive to Cabinet post
Deborah E. Story named Commissioner Of Tennessee Department of Personnel
Governor Phil Bredesen swore in veteran human resources executive Deborah E. Story as the new Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Personnel, Monday, June 26, 2006.
With more than 20 years of experience in the field of human resources, Story most recently served as president of ESS Group Inc., an executive search and human resources consulting firm she established in 2000 to provide recruiting and placement assistance to businesses.
“The professional experience and accomplishments that Deborah brings to this position make her an ideal fit to lead what is, without question, one of our most important departments,” Bredesen said. “I appreciate her willingness to assume this leadership role and am pleased to welcome an individual with her background and expertise to the ranks of state government.
Story’s career has included senior human resources positions at leading financial institutions including First American Corporation and SunTrust Bank as well as with Emerson Electronic, a Fortune 100 manufacturing company.
“I am honored that Governor Bredesen has given me this opportunity,” Story said. “With more than 38,000 employees, state government is Tennessee’s largest single employer and I look forward to the opportunity to work with our employees across the state.”
The Department of Personnel is responsible for providing effective, efficient human resource management systems to the departments and agencies of state government. The Department of Personnel provides several basic services that include advising the governor on personnel policies, and assisting operating departments and agencies in carrying out personnel practices; administering provisions of the Civil Service Act; providing departments and agencies with a pool of qualified applicants for selection for employment; and developing a career oriented work force through effective management, training and communication. The department is responsible for meeting the needs of employees in all 95 counties working in more than 1,400 different types of state jobs.
Story is a Chicago native who has made her home in Tennessee since 1978. She is active in numerous professional and community organizations including the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and American Society of Training and Development. She serves on the Board of Directors of Alive Hospice and the Advisory Board of the Junior League of Nashville. She also serves on the National and Local Diversity Advisory Board of Middle State University and the Management and Human Relations Advisory Council of Trevecca Nazarene College. Story holds a B.A. in Management and Human Resources from Trevecca Nazarene College.
Deborah E. Story
Biographical Highlights
Professional History
President
ESS Group, Inc. (Exceptional Search Solutions), Nashville
Provided executive search and human resources consulting to businesses.
Senior Vice President/Manager - Employment Services
First American Corporation, Nashville
Directed recruiting and employment function for $20 billion financial service organization employing 7,500 people in six states
Responsible for the creation and implementation of recruiting and employment strategies, guidelines, policies and processes
Directed Affirmative Action Program development
Lead merger transition team for recruiting and employment
Managed executive search process and directed efforts to fill 600 openings over a six-month period
Group Vice President/Director of Recruiting and Employment
Assistant Vice President/Senior Compensation Analyst
SunTrust Bank, Nashville
Responsible for recruiting and employment function to ensure adequate staffing at all levels and regional recruiting of professional and management personnel
Developed and implemented staffing plans, policies, practices, programs and requirements
Assisted in preparation of statewide salary budget
Reviewed salary changes and performance appraisals
Counseled and trained managers on compensation issues
Academic History
B.A. in Management and Human Resources
Trevecca Nazarene College, Nashville, Tennessee
Community and Professional Organizations
Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation Board of Directors, 2003-2006
Junior League of Nashville Advisory Board, 2005-present
Alive Hospice Board of Directors, 2006-2009
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Nashville Alumni Association, Class of 2005
Middle Tennessee State University National and Local Diversity Advisory Board, 2005-present
Trevecca Nazarene University Management & Human Relations Advisory Council, 2004-present
American Society of Training & Development, 2005-present
World at Work Compensation Association, 2003-present
Deborah E. Story named Commissioner Of Tennessee Department of Personnel
Governor Phil Bredesen swore in veteran human resources executive Deborah E. Story as the new Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Personnel, Monday, June 26, 2006.
With more than 20 years of experience in the field of human resources, Story most recently served as president of ESS Group Inc., an executive search and human resources consulting firm she established in 2000 to provide recruiting and placement assistance to businesses.
“The professional experience and accomplishments that Deborah brings to this position make her an ideal fit to lead what is, without question, one of our most important departments,” Bredesen said. “I appreciate her willingness to assume this leadership role and am pleased to welcome an individual with her background and expertise to the ranks of state government.
Story’s career has included senior human resources positions at leading financial institutions including First American Corporation and SunTrust Bank as well as with Emerson Electronic, a Fortune 100 manufacturing company.
“I am honored that Governor Bredesen has given me this opportunity,” Story said. “With more than 38,000 employees, state government is Tennessee’s largest single employer and I look forward to the opportunity to work with our employees across the state.”
The Department of Personnel is responsible for providing effective, efficient human resource management systems to the departments and agencies of state government. The Department of Personnel provides several basic services that include advising the governor on personnel policies, and assisting operating departments and agencies in carrying out personnel practices; administering provisions of the Civil Service Act; providing departments and agencies with a pool of qualified applicants for selection for employment; and developing a career oriented work force through effective management, training and communication. The department is responsible for meeting the needs of employees in all 95 counties working in more than 1,400 different types of state jobs.
Story is a Chicago native who has made her home in Tennessee since 1978. She is active in numerous professional and community organizations including the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and American Society of Training and Development. She serves on the Board of Directors of Alive Hospice and the Advisory Board of the Junior League of Nashville. She also serves on the National and Local Diversity Advisory Board of Middle State University and the Management and Human Relations Advisory Council of Trevecca Nazarene College. Story holds a B.A. in Management and Human Resources from Trevecca Nazarene College.
Deborah E. Story
Biographical Highlights
Professional History
President
ESS Group, Inc. (Exceptional Search Solutions), Nashville
Provided executive search and human resources consulting to businesses.
Senior Vice President/Manager - Employment Services
First American Corporation, Nashville
Directed recruiting and employment function for $20 billion financial service organization employing 7,500 people in six states
Responsible for the creation and implementation of recruiting and employment strategies, guidelines, policies and processes
Directed Affirmative Action Program development
Lead merger transition team for recruiting and employment
Managed executive search process and directed efforts to fill 600 openings over a six-month period
Group Vice President/Director of Recruiting and Employment
Assistant Vice President/Senior Compensation Analyst
SunTrust Bank, Nashville
Responsible for recruiting and employment function to ensure adequate staffing at all levels and regional recruiting of professional and management personnel
Developed and implemented staffing plans, policies, practices, programs and requirements
Assisted in preparation of statewide salary budget
Reviewed salary changes and performance appraisals
Counseled and trained managers on compensation issues
Academic History
B.A. in Management and Human Resources
Trevecca Nazarene College, Nashville, Tennessee
Community and Professional Organizations
Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation Board of Directors, 2003-2006
Junior League of Nashville Advisory Board, 2005-present
Alive Hospice Board of Directors, 2006-2009
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce
Leadership Nashville Alumni Association, Class of 2005
Middle Tennessee State University National and Local Diversity Advisory Board, 2005-present
Trevecca Nazarene University Management & Human Relations Advisory Council, 2004-present
American Society of Training & Development, 2005-present
World at Work Compensation Association, 2003-present