Los Alamos County Human Resources Manager Mary Tapia during a recent interview in her office. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
As the new Human Resources Manager for Los Alamos County, Mary Tapia said she is hoping to show how much her department can be a positive resource.
Tapia officially started as the new Human Resources Manager March 21 and served as the Assistant Human Resources Manager since 2018. She takes over from Ty Ryburn who resigned earlier this year for another job opportunity.
“I’m excited,” Tapia said. “We have a great human resources staff so I’m excited to be their manager.”
Sometimes human resources departments in general get a bad rep but Tapia said, “I’m hoping human resources can be seen as a positive resource. We do a lot of great things, too.”
She added her department is here to be a tool for County employees.
Whether that is assisting them through struggles or providing training opportunities.
These training opportunities include the LAC Academy, which is a leadership program for supervisors.
Tapia explained the program runs about nine weeks and provides different phases of training.
Additionally, Training Manager Stephanie Stancil constantly puts together training for employees and Risk Coordinator Victoria DeVargas provides instruction on everything from operating a forklift to defensive driving.
Tapia emphasized the goal is to help everyone be successful.
“I think Human Resources has a lot to offer,” she said. “We want our employees to see we are here to help.”
Tapia further pointed out that the County recently conducted an employee survey to get feedback from employees on how the County is doing as an employer.
As the Human Resources Manager, Tapia said she is hoping to make the department a “well-oiled machine” and help its staff grow in knowledge as well as encourage them to stay long-term in the County.
Tapia started in the County in 2018 but has spent more than 26 years in the Human Resources field.
This includes working as the Human Resources Manager at Las Campanas LTD Partnership in 1995, at the Home Depot in 2004, at Presbyterian Medical Services in 2006 and then for the City of Santa Fe in 2008.
Suffice to say Tapia has an extensive background in human resources.
“I care about people, and I want to make a positive difference for them,” she said.
As for working for Los Alamos County, Tapia declared it is “a great place to be.”
She added everyone – the County manager, the County Council and County employees – are a great team.
Tapia further pointed out that while the past two Human Resources Managers didn’t work for the County that long, Denise Cassel served as Human Resources Manager for 24 years.
“I think it says a lot for our County … we have a really great staff,” Tapia said.
When not at work, Tapia, who lives in Santa Fe, enjoys spending time with her three daughters and 10 grandchildren.
As she looks to the future, Tapia said she is excited.
“I’m just excited to be here,” she said. “I love being a part of the County and I can’t think of anywhere else to be … I am excited about the future.”
