Walters tapped to head classified HR

Mark Walters has been chosen as the new director of Classified Human Resources (CHR) at UW–Madison. He succeeds Jim Stratton, who retired April 30.

CHR is the section of the Office of Human Resources that oversees the comprehensive human resources and employment relations program for classified civil service employees.

Walters, who had served as associate director of the office since 1998, was named acting director upon Stratton’s retirement. His appointment as the permanent director began Aug. 15.

Prior to coming to UW–Madison, Walters spent eight years in a variety of human resources capacities, including team leader, with the state Department of Health and Family Service’s Bureau of Personnel and Employment Relations. He managed human resources functions for major units within the department, some of which employed more than 4,000 people.

In his new position at UW–Madison, Walters says he wants to continue the work CHR has done to provide focused customer service and consultation, as well as to nurture more autonomy for human resources matters within the various campus organizations.

Instead of being considered the “gatekeeper” that tells campus HR professionals what they can and can’t do, Walters wants the office to focus on giving them the tools to solve problems.

“I would like to continue the transformation of our office from being seen as only a regulatory arm of the state to an organization you can consult with to prevent problems,” he says.

Walters also hopes to continue campus efforts to make the climate better for all employees and to further automation of human resources activities.