PAUL BUCKLEY
Jefferson City
Summary
Strategic HR executive and public-sector advisor with 25 years of progressive leadership experience in human capital strategy, organizational design, workforce analytics, and enterprise-level HR modernization. Proven track record of leading complex engagements, advising C-suite leaders, and delivering large-scale organizational performance improvements across state government, judiciary systems, and public agencies. Recognized for transforming talent systems, guiding executives through change, and building high-performing teams that strengthen leadership effectiveness, workforce resilience, and organizational capacity.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Human Resources
City of Jefferson
Jefferson City
12.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded project to modernize HR policies and procedures for local government operations.
- Collaborated with departmental leaders to effectively resolve employee relations conflicts.
- Coordinated benefits administration, ensuring compliance with city guidelines.
- Advised city leadership on strategic HR initiatives aligned with organizational objectives.
Division Director
State of Missouri – Office of Administration, Division of Personnel
Jefferson City
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Lead central human capital management operation, directing 65 staff across 50,000 employee enterprise overseeing talent acquisition, talent development, people analytics, and classification and compensation programs.
- Responsible for $20 million operating budget and multiple enterprise HR programs.
- Direct enterprise HR modernization efforts, including development of new talent management analytics.
- Serve as a senior advisor to departmental executives on organizational design, talent strategy, and leadership development.
- Provide leadership to statewide ERP human capital management initiatives.
Director of Operations & Human Resources
State of Missouri – Office of Administration
Jefferson City
01.2019 - 12.2023
- Led operational infrastructure for statewide personnel systems including budget, HR transactions, and compensation.
- Directed labor relations for the Executive Branch, negotiating with unions and advising leadership.
- Modernized compensation strategy through analytics and market alignment.
- Consulted senior leaders on complex employee relations and organizational performance.
Consultant
National Center for State Courts
Denver
06.2019 - 10.2020
- Interfaced with clients to gain comprehensive understanding of client organizaziton and needs.
- Developed classification and compensation structures for state and local court systems.
- Presented findings to stakeholders to support change management for clients.
Director of Human Resources
Office of State Courts Administrator
Jefferson City
01.2011 - 12.2019
- Served as chief human capital advisor to Missouri’s circuit courts across 46 judicial circuits.
- Directed HR operations including organizational design, workforce planning, and compensation strategy.
- Led classification & compensation modernization initiatives.
- Developed statewide staffing models optimizing FTE distribution.
- Provided executive-level consulting to resolve sensitive employee relations issues.
Human Resources Manager
Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan
Jefferson City
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Managed full HR functions including talent acquisition, policy development, and compliance.
- Advised leadership on employment law and workforce planning.
Resource Manager
Rose International, Inc.
Jefferson City
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Developed business proposals, staffing models, and consulting workforce solutions.
- Partnered with clients to identify workforce needs.
Executive Recruiter
MRC Corporation
Albuquerque
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Conducted full-cycle recruitment for HR executive positions to meet client needs.
- Sourced candidates via networking and social media platforms to expand talent pool.
Director, Division of Labor Standards
Missouri Dept. of Labor
Jefferson City
01.2008 - 12.2009
- Led division of 45 employees and managed $3M budget.
- Oversaw wage & hour programs and public-sector compliance.
Various Leadership Roles
Missouri State Government
Jefferson City
01.2000 - 12.2008
- Assistant Commissioner (2007–2008): Provided executive policy and administrative leadership. Directed compliance across statewide divisions.
- Labor Relations Manager (2003–2006): Chief negotiator for statewide labor contracts. Led performance management modernization. Consulted on employment law, grievances, and high‑risk issues.
- Human Resources Analyst – Labor Relations (2001–2003): Managed analytics and data modeling for negotiations. Delivered leadership training and compliance research.
- Organizational Development Trainer (2000–2001): Delivered leadership development programs. Implemented competency-based training initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Ball State University
Muncie, IN06-1999
Skills
- Human Capital Strategy & Consulting
- Organizational Design & Assessment
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Workforce Planning & Analytics
- Change Management & HR Modernization
- Classification & Compensation Strategy
- Executive Coaching & Stakeholder Engagement
- Labor & Employee Relations
- Client Relationship Management
- Budgeting, Operations & Enterprise Program Leadership
Professional Credentials Affiliations
- Certified Court Management Professional (CMP)
- Education Chair, National HR Summit
- Vice Chair, Homemaker Health Care Board
- Former Alderman, Holts Summit
- Personnel Advisory Board Member, State of Missouri
- Executive Board Member, Missouri Public Employer Labor Relations Association
Core Expertise
- Human Capital Strategy & Consulting
- Organizational Design & Assessment
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Workforce Planning & Analytics
- Change Management & HR Modernization
- Classification & Compensation Strategy
- Executive Coaching & Stakeholder Engagement
- Labor & Employee Relations
- Client Relationship Management
- Budgeting, Operations & Enterprise Program Leadership
Timeline
Director of Human Resources
City of Jefferson
12.2024 - Current
Division Director
State of Missouri – Office of Administration, Division of Personnel
01.2024 - 12.2024
Consultant
National Center for State Courts
06.2019 - 10.2020
Director of Operations & Human Resources
State of Missouri – Office of Administration
01.2019 - 12.2023
Director of Human Resources
Office of State Courts Administrator
01.2011 - 12.2019
Human Resources Manager
Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan
01.2010 - 12.2011
Resource Manager
Rose International, Inc.
01.2009 - 12.2010
Executive Recruiter
MRC Corporation
01.2009 - 12.2009
Director, Division of Labor Standards
Missouri Dept. of Labor
01.2008 - 12.2009
Various Leadership Roles
Missouri State Government
01.2000 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Ball State University