Council approves hiring of Alyssa Gambrell as human resources director

The Willmar City Council voted Feb. 3 to hire Alyssa Gambrell as the city’s human resources director. Council members approved the appointment by a 7-0 roll call vote.

At the meeting, the council packet and Operations staff said Gambrell was selected from 15 applicants and six finalists interviewed. Gambrell said she has a degree in psychology, is married with two children, currently works in human resources in the mental-health industry and has experience supervising staff across multiple states. She told the council she will work in Willmar and that "you can come by my office," indicating she will be accessible in person as well as remotely.

A motion to approve Gambrell's hiring was made and seconded; the council approved the motion by roll call (7 ayes, 0 nos). Council members welcomed Gambrell and thanked staff who conducted the recruitment process. No salary, start date, or contract details were specified during the public portion of the meeting.

The city clerk recorded the vote and the motion passed. Staff will complete onboarding and provide required employment documentation and start-date details to the council or city administrator as appropriate.