City of Lenexa
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.
City of Lenexa
Once considered a small bedroom community in the 1970s, Lenexa has grown into a major employment center in the region, with more than 50,000 workers coming to or staying in the community for their jobs each day. Lenexa, which is the home to numerous high-tech companies and national headquarters, also has more bioscience companies than any other city in the state. The city’s strong business base brings vitality and financial stability. The commitment and support of businesses in the community add to the small-town atmosphere and strong sense of community that adds to the high quality of life Lenexa citizens enjoy. In addition to the city’s healthy business base, Lenexa offers excellent public safety, quality roads and infrastructure, more than 30 parks with beautiful open green spaces and a variety of recreational opportunities, a well-planned community with safe and attractive neighborhoods, and a sense of hometown community spirit and pride that truly makes Lenexa special. Citizens will tell you that one reason they feel so connected is the variety of festivals and events held in Lenexa each year bringing families, neighbors and friends together. Known in this area as the City of Festivals, Lenexa hosts numerous events including the Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle – The Kansas State Championship, Community Days Parade, Freedom Run, Midnight Bike Ride, Waterfest, Tails on the Trails pet festival, Spinach Festival, Chili Challenge, Enchanted Forest, Senior Banquet and Holiday Lighting Ceremony. Lenexa is looked to as a leader in local government initiatives such as public safety, development issues, festivals, watershed management, and the use of technology. The city has a long history of sustainable practices and thoughtful planning, which enables the community to meet its current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.