Martha Sumner

Martha Sumner has been Director of Human Resources at Cumberland County Government since January 2015. Martha is responsible for the HR function for 5 facilities, with 450 employees, distributed over 14 very diverse departments. Sumner also supervised a 3-person HR team.

In their role, Sumner led the Wellness Committee and created a grant proposal to the Maine Municipal Association to request and justify funding for a wellness program. Martha also created agendas and ran bi-monthly meetings with a 10-person wellness committee.

In addition, Sumner provided mentoring and training to supervisors and department directors on performance management procedures, language and employment law. Martha also handled grievance preparation and process, to include working with County Attorney, management and union representation.

Sumner implemented the final portion of the Cumberland County Compensation Plan, started in 2013. Martha reviewed compensation grade/step for non-union component of compensation plan and performed compensation analysis as requested.

Finally, Sumner performed investigations upon employee complaint and crafted response to employee, management and union based upon investigative findings. Martha also coordinated and hosted Leadership Training Academy in conjunction with management from the City of South Portland and Southern Maine Community College across multiple departments.

Martha Sumner received their B.S.B.A in Accounting from Saint Joseph's College and their MBA in Organizational Development from the University of Southern Maine. Martha is certified from the HR Certification Institute - HRCI as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and from SHRM as a SHRM-CP.

Martha Sumner works with Brandon Krupski - Maintenance Director, Regina Clement - ELL Director, and Amanda Atkinson-Lewis - Equity Resources Coordinator. Martha Sumner reports to Peter Lancia, Superintendent of Schools.