The City of Davis announced today that it hired Barbara Archer as a new communications and customer service manager.
Archer brings over 25 years of experience to the position. Most recently, she worked at Farm Fresh To You, a produce and grocery delivery service, as public relations manager for over 8 years. She also served on the Davis school board from 2014-2018 where she gained local government experience working on a wide variety of issues, including facilities planning, local taxes, city/school safety issues, and fielding constituent inquiries.
“The City of Davis desires to communicate with and listen to Davis residents and stakeholder groups in the most effective and transparent way possible on City projects, initiatives and policies,” said Mike Webb, City Manager. “Additionally, it is paramount that we strive for excellence in customer service to the Davis community.” “We conducted a rigorous search process to identify the right professional with a skill set that includes both communications and customer service. Barbara’s experience in the private sector in these key areas combined with her local government service will help us to improve engagement with our community members.”
“Exceptional communication is inextricably tied to excellent customer service,” said Archer. “I look forward to working with Davis residents and City staff to achieve a great customer experience whenever someone needs to conduct business with the City whether it be a quick question or a more complex issue.” Stacey Winton, Communications and Customer Service Manager, will work closely with Barbara while Diane Parro, Director of Community and Business Engagement will continue to oversee these functions.
Archer is a Davis resident of 19 years. A parent of three teenagers, Archer said, “We returned to my husband’s hometown to raise our family, and I love living in a place that cares so much about the quality of community life.”
Is this a new position? What’s the comp?
Is this a new position?
No.
What’s the comp?
As I calculate it about $100k/year all in, peanuts in the best little town in America.
It is a new position.
“It is a new position.”
Superseding position 12110 on the Davis salary table?
New title, same old sales job.
It’s also a dedicated postion
I was just thinking that the city was understaffed and we needed more management with undefined new roles. Certainly I am glad they did not fall into that trap of hiring people to do actual work but instead have beefed up “communications” about the few people doing work.
A company is too big when it has an HR department, and a City is too “big” when it has a communications manager.
Note the city website says
“City Hires Barbara Archer as Communications and Customer Service Manager”
While your article has promoted her to “Director”.
I am confused. Who is the customer? What is being sold?
“What is being sold”
The need to hire someone’s friend to a non-existent job is being sold to the taxpayers.
Do tell.
You didn’t tell.
“You didn’t tell.”
It’s an old story. Everyone already knows it.
“I am confused.” Indeed.
” Who is the customer?”
You and your fellow Davisites.
“What is being sold?”
Bologna, mostly.