ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Allentown City Council voted at a special meeting Wednesday night to appoint Marty Velazquez as the new human resources director at an annual salary of $122,947.
Velazquez has a long career in human resources with Wells Fargo and had previously served as a councilmember.
Mayor Matt Tuerk said he was thrilled to present Velazquez for the appointment.
“Marty Velazquez is my nominee for director of human resources for the City of Allentown,” Tuerk said.
“Some of you know Marty from his 12 years of distinguished service on this very City Council,” the mayor said. “He demonstrated over those 12 years deep commitment to the city and its people.”
“Marty is bringing that incredible combination of private sector HR experience and an intimate knowledge of our city government to this work,” Tuerk added. “He understands Allentown’s challenges and the opportunities.”
“He is ideally suited to lead the HR department at this critical time,” the mayor said, “and I’m confident that his leadership skills and his professional experience and his strong dedication to the City of Allentown will help us build a stronger and more effective workforce that ultimately serves our community.”
Council President Daryl L. Hendricks called Velazquez “a breath of fresh” air coming into City Hall.
“We’ve gone a long time without a director, a sorely needed position,” Hendricks said. “Thank you for your willingness to join us.”
Councilmember Ed Zucal recused himself from the vote, saying that he worked the polls for Velazquez during his run for mayor, which ended in a defeat in 1997.