Several changes have been made recently in the City of Bartlesville’s staff line-up, with promotions for existing staff members and the addition of a new position at the Bartlesville Police Department.
Effective Jan. 1, former Human Resources Director and 30-year employee Shellie McGill officially took over as Bartlesville Public Library and History Museum director. Laura Sanders, who previously served as Human Resources manager, was promoted to the Human Resources director position.
“These changes in the Human Resources Department are part of a transition plan that was developed more than a year ago,” said City Manager Mike Bailey. “Shellie initially took over the library on an interim basis following the retirement of the previous director. During this interim period, she provided a fresh perspective and revitalized the library’s programs. Shellie is the perfect person to take over this role on a permanent basis, and I know the library and history museum will continue to thrive under her guidance.”
Bailey said Sanders has proven to be an asset to the City of Bartlesville and the Human Resources Department.
“Laura has extensive experience in Human Resources and has worked as the HR manager for the City of Bartlesville for approximately three years,” Bailey said. “During that time, she has established herself as a leader within the organization and has gained the trust and confidence of City employees. She has seamlessly transitioned into her new role as Human Resources director, and I know I speak for all City employees in welcoming her to this position.”
Jason Muninger officially took over the roles of city clerk and finance director in November 2018 after serving as interim in both positions following the promotion of Bailey, who previously held the positions of Chief Financial Officer, city clerk and treasurer, to City manager in August 2018. Muninger was named treasurer by the City Council in December 2018, in addition to his roles as city clerk and Chief Financial Officer. (The position of treasurer is one of four positions directly appointed by the City Council.)
“Jason has served the City of Bartlesville for more than 13 years in the Accounting and Finance Department,” Bailey said. “This promotion is a testament to Jason’s service, leadership and dedication to our organization. Quite frankly, I would not be where I am today without Jason’s assistance for the last several years, and it is a pleasure to be able to reward his loyalty and dedication to the Accounting and Finance Department and to our City.”
Matt McCollough has been promoted to Information Technology director. McCollough has previously served as IT supervisor and Building Maintenance supervisor.
“Matt has been fulfilling many director’s duties since transferring from Building Maintenance to the IT Department in October 2017,” said Bailey. “With the increasing importance of IT in our organization, it is critical that we have a problem solver with great customer service skills and an organizational perspective to lead this department into the future. Matt has demonstrated all of these skills in every position that he has ever held within our organization, and I’m confident that his brand of servant leadership will keep the department moving in the right direction.”
“I’m excited for the future of our City with these three in their new roles. Congratulations to all of them for a job well done.”
Taking a position created recently for the Police Department, retired BPD lieutenant and Washington County Sheriff Rick Silver has accepted the role of special assistant to the chief of police.
“Special Assistant Silver brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our department,” said Police Chief Tracy Roles. “He has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience and 20 years of supervisory experience. He retired as a lieutenant from the Bartlesville Police Department in 2009 and was twice elected sheriff of Washington County. We are very fortunate to be able to add such a wonderful law enforcement leader to our staff. This appointment will serve to assist our department’s quest to become an elite law enforcement agency in Oklahoma.”