James N. Bowers has a strong background in human resources, with over 20 years of experience in various roles. James N. started their career as the Human Resources Director for The City of Mansfield, Ohio, where they managed a budget of $1 million and a staff of five. During their time there, they successfully negotiated with three international unions and was recognized for their efforts in returning an injured worker back to their position.
James N. then moved on to become the Human Resources Director/Assistant City Manager for the City of Huber Heights, OH. In this role, they were responsible for building and designing a full-service HR department. James N. managed a budget of $600,000 and a three-member staff.
Afterwards, Bowers joined the City of Surprise as the Human Resources Director, where they managed a budget of $1.2 million and a staff of 13. James N. quickly identified HR service gaps and collaborated with the leadership team to implement changes and enhancements in various HR functions.
Bowers then transitioned to Gavilan College as the Human Resources Director, where they aligned the college's HR programs and processes with organizational goals. James N. managed a budget of $600,000 and a staff of four, and implemented various process improvements in areas such as leave tracking, HRMS data management, and employee training.
Following their time at Gavilan College, Bowers joined Maricopa Community Colleges as the Director of the HR Solutions Center. James N. managed a budget of $1.2 million and a staff of 14, and was responsible for providing strategic solutions in employee and labor relations, policy development, complaint and grievance handling, diversity initiatives, and more.
Currently, Bowers is serving as the Human Resources Director for the City of Lenexa.
James N. Bowers obtained their Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Ohio Northern University—Claude W. Pettit College of Law, where they studied law from 1983 to 1986. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor's Degree in Pre-Law/Political Science from Ohio Northern University, completing their studies from 1980 to 1982. Furthermore, James N. Bowers possesses the SHRM - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification from SHRM, although the specific month and year of obtaining this certification are not provided.
January, 2016 - present