Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Manager Blaine Williams has named Laura Welch to serve as Interim Human Resources Director as of February 9, 2024 while a national search takes place for the permanent position. 

Current Human Resources Director Jeff Hale is leaving ACCGov to pursue a private sector opportunity. Hale has worked for the Human Resources Department since 2008 and was named director in 2017. 

“I’d like to thank Jeff for his incredible work as Human Resources Director over the last several years,” said Williams. “From helping navigate the uncertainty of the Covid pandemic to overseeing the first ACCGov pay studies conducted in many years, he has provided excellent guidance and oversight for personnel issues during challenging situations. I wish him the best in his promising career.” 

Welch has served as ACCGov’s Assistant Human Resources Director since 2017. She previously served as ACCGov’s Court Administrator for five years and also served as a Senior Management Analyst in the Auditor’s Office at two different times. She has also worked for the Chattooga County School System, Berry College, and at private companies in Washington, DC in defense and government relations areas. 

The ACCGov Human Resources Department provides services for ACCGov related to hiring, wellness, retirement benefits, employment benefits, and other human resources functions for its 1800 full time employees, part-time employees, and 800 retirees. For more information, visit www.accgov.com/hr.