Human Resources

Introduction to the HR Department

The Human Resources Department of the Northeastern Conference is led by the HR Director, who provides both strategic oversight and compassionate guidance for the Conference's diverse workforce. As the chief steward of personnel services, the HR Director ensures that policies, systems, and resources are aligned with both regulatory requirements and the mission of the Church.

Through collaboration with administrators, pastors, teachers, office staff, and locally funded employees, the HR Director plays a vital role in balancing compliance with care—fostering a workplace culture that supports professional growth, personal well-being, and Christ-centered ministry.

The Establishment and Journey of the HR Department

In 2021, the Northeastern Conference formally established its Human Resources Department, transitioning its functions from the Secretariat Office. This strategic move—guided by the North American Division HR Department—was driven by the growing complexity of federal and state labor regulations impacting denominational employees.

Since then, the HR Department has become a cornerstone of support for administrators, pastors, teachers, office staff, and employees across six states. It provides both professional expertise and spiritual encouragement, reflecting the Conference's mission of service.

Building Stronger Systems and Processes

One of the most significant achievements of this Quadrennium has been the launch of an online HR platform, automating core HR functions such as:

• Time tracking and paid time-off accruals
• Payroll reports and approvals
• Onboarding and offboarding processes
• Applicant tracking and employee updates

The introduction of this platform has streamlined operations, provided faster access to information, and enabled staff to access information on the go.

In partnership with Capital Benefit Consultant LLC (CBC) and the Office of Regional Conference Ministry, the HR Department has played a pivotal role in supporting the Regional Conferences' collective effort to modernize retirement services through automation. This strategic initiative has enhanced efficiency and service delivery, with application processing times reduced from six months to four months—a significant improvement in responsiveness to our employees' needs.

Serving the Largest Regional Conference Workforce

The Northeastern Conference is the largest Regional Conference in the North American Division, employing a diverse workforce across six states.

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Workforce at a Glance

The HR Department serves pastors, teachers, office staff, and locally funded employees.

Employee Categories

The following chart shows NEC's workforce distribution as of August 2025, including Support Staff (CVL/Schools-Locally Funded) and Church-Locally Funded employees.

Serving NEC's Workforce

The HR Department provides a wide range of services to support the Northeastern Conference's workforce:

• Paid Time Off Requests – processing and tracking vacation, sick leave, and personal time.
• Medical Leaves (FMLA, PFML) – ensuring compliance with federal and state requirements for medical leave.
• Healthcare Benefits, Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Workers' Compensation – effective September 1, 2025, these services were formally transferred to the HR Department from the Risk Management Department, further streamlining employee support.
• One-on-One Consultations – offering personalized guidance on HR policies, benefits, and career development.
• Training and Mentorship – Provide hands-on guidance and learning opportunities for new staff and interns to help them grow with confidence and integrate successfully into the Conference workforce.
• ‍Employment Verifications – providing timely verification of employment and salary details.‍
• Retirement Services – including application processing, retirement estimate requests, and death claim support.‍
• Locally Funded Employee Requests – handling documentation and HR processes for locally funded staff.
• ‍Notary Public Services – offering convenient support for employees' notarization needs.

Building Bridges and Partnerships

The HR Department not only supports NEC's employees but also has emerged as a leader among Regional Conferences in providing administrative support and serving as a resource hub. Through collaboration, NEC HR has:

• Supported sister conferences across the North American Division by sharing systems, processes, and tools that help them adapt to today's evolving workforce needs.
• Actively participated in regular HR directors' meetings, both virtually and in person at NAD events, where leaders exchange updates, address compliance concerns, and advance the shared goal of automating the Regional Conference Retirement Plan processes.
• Strengthened inter-departmental collaboration by encouraging HR, Education, Risk Management, Treasury, and Administration staff to participate in professional development training at NAD HR Conferences, ensuring stronger workflows, compliance with internal and external policies, and greater alignment with mission objectives.

A Christ-Centered Approach to Human Resources

The NEC HR Department remains committed to cultivating a professional yet Christ-centered environment. By offering training, benefits guidance, compliance oversight, and personnel support, the department ensures that employees are equipped for both professional excellence and faithful ministry.

Departmental Goals Moving Forward

Looking ahead, the HR Department will:

• Strengthen HR policies for compliance and care
• Expand professional development tailored to employee needs
• Continue reinforcing the Conference's mission through effective HR strategies
• Support ministries by ensuring all employees have training, support, and encouragement
• Expand Internship Programs for Succession Planning: The HR Department will broaden the Conference's internship programs to build stronger professional relationships with students from our constituent community. These internships will not only provide valuable workplace experience but also as a strategic tool for succession planning—encouraging, developing, and strengthening talented Christian leaders to ensure the continued success and growth of the Northeastern Conference's ministry.

Central to these goals is ensuring the Northeastern Conference has the right human resources in place to fulfill its mission of ministry and service.

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Honoring Service and Legacy

Between August 2021 and August 2025, 43 employees retired, each leaving a legacy of faithful service. We express our deepest gratitude for their contributions.

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We also honor the lives of six individuals who passed away during this period, before they had the opportunity to retire—faithful servants whose work has shaped our culture of integrity and service. Their dedication continues to inspire future generations.

Office Workers

• Lawrence Brown – Pastor/Director
• Kathy Davis – Administrative Assistant
• Milo Williams – Security Personnel

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Field Workers

• Viola Chapman - Superintendent of Schools
• Evelyn Cole-Williams - Teacher
• Carolyn Francis - Teacher
• Veronica Walker – Teacher

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Closing Note

As we reflect on the journey of this Quadrennium, we are reminded that our strength lies not only in systems, policies, and numbers but in the people who serve with faith and dedication. The Human Resources Department is deeply grateful for every director, pastor, teacher, office worker, and support staff member who makes ministry possible across the Northeastern Conference.

Special acknowledgment goes to the HR Team and Administration for their dedication, professionalism, and vision. Without their leadership, collaboration, and faith-driven service, this growth would not have been possible.

May God continue to bless our collective efforts, guide our hands in service, and inspire us to nurture and support those who labor in His vineyard. Together, we look ahead with confidence, knowing that 'He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 1:6)

Our HR Team

Ms. Rosemarie Campbell-Brady, HR Director
‍(November 16, 1999 - present)

Dr. Mirielle St. Pierre, Assist. Director & Office Manager
‍(September 1, 1997 – present)

Kishauna Parkes, HR Assistant & Benefits Coordinator
‍(August 4, 2025 - present)

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