Human Resources Department

Claricia Atkins
Office Manager
269-384-8238
email

In 2017, Claricia joined the Human Resources team as the Administrative Assistant.  Just one year later, she was promoted to the Human Resources Generalist position. In 2024, Claricia was promoted again to the HR Executive Coordinator position. As the Executive Coordinator, Claricia coordinates the following:  HR Annual Report, Union Negotiations, HR contracts and RFPs, investigations, employee surveys, training events, and personnel file management.  Prior to working in Human Resources, she worked in the District Court Civil Division, transitioning to District Court Criminal Division and then worked in Probate Court processing minor guardianship cases. In 2017, she completed the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office Citizen Police Academy, which she found to be very informative and enlightening. In Claricia's spare time, she enjoys going to the theatre, trying new foods and new activities and classes in the community.

Lauren M. Brady
Human Resources Manager
269-384-8109
email

Lauren has been employed by the County of Kalamazoo for over 20 years. In 2017, Lauren joined the Human Resources team as a Human Resources Specialist. In 2024, she was promoted to the HR Manager position. In this position, she coordinates safety efforts, oversees the maintenance of the County's job classification system and structure, and oversees the Recruitment and Hiring Unit. Before transferring to Human Resources, Lauren spent 12 years with the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor's Office. She started with the Prosecutor's Office in 2005 as a Legal Assistant and then served as a Victim Advocate, providing short-term crisis intervention and long-term guidance on understanding and navigating the criminal justice system to victims of crime and their families. In 2013, she received the Robert L. Pangle Award from the Prosecutor's Office for outstanding work as a public servant. Lauren graduated magna cum laude from Taylor University with a Bachelor's Degree in Justice and Ministry.

Kendra DeVaney
Human Resources Specialist
269-384-8095
email

Kendra DeVaney recently transitioned into a Human Resources Specialist role within Kalamazoo County after dedicating six years as the Administrative Assistant at the Juvenile Home. In her new role, Kendra will prioritize accurate payroll processes while ensuring outstanding customer service to every department in the County. Kendra held a 19-year professional role at Yoplait-General Mills, in Reed City, Michigan, marking a significant career shift focus when she moved to Kalamazoo in 2016. Her experience undoubtedly equips her with a wealth of knowledge in team dynamics, organizational culture, and an inclusive workplace environment. In her spare time, you might find Kendra fishing with her husband (their favorite thing to do!), or spending time with their five children and many dogs.

Jaishree Frank
Human Resources Specialist
269-384-8102
email

Jaishree has been employed by Kalamazoo County Government for over twenty-five years. Jaishree completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University and earned a Master's Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from the Master of Public Administration program at Western as well. Prior to her current role as a Human Resource Specialist, Jaishree was a juvenile probation officer for 18 years and then served as the manager for the long-term treatment program, On Trac, at the juvenile home for eight years. As a probation officer, she served the 9th Circuit Court-Family Division as a Foster Care Licensing Specialist and oversaw the Youthful Offender Transitions Program in addition to working with the families of youth on probation. Jaishree developed strong community partnerships focused on recruiting mentors and foster families and programming development for youth. She has served on several committees focusing on children's mental health and community violence and has secured several grants to spearhead new programs for juvenile justice locally, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the betterment of Kalamazoo County. Jaishree is in the hiring unit of human resources, where she makes efforts to recruit new employees and assists the various departments with screening potential applicants for employment. Jaishree has enjoyed her longevity with Kalamazoo County Government and is eager to help new employees embark on fulfilling careers within our workplace.

Deanna Hudson
Human Resources Specialist
269-384-8300
email

Deanna Hudson graduated from Wilberforce University. She has been working for the County of Kalamazoo for 23 years and is currently serving as a Human Resources Specialist. Her primary responsibility is to help both active and retired employees in understanding their benefits. Prior to joining the Human Resources Department, Deanna worked as a Senior Legal Assistant and an Enforcement Officer at Kalamazoo County Friend of the Court. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Jean Michaud
Human Resources Manager
269-384-8101
email

Jean Michaud has a Bachelor of Applied Science, Business Administration degree from Davenport College. Before arriving at Kalamazoo County, she had extensive Human Resources experience in the manufacturing environment. In 2006, Jean started with the County as the Benefits Specialist. In this role, she helped the active and retiree population understand their benefits and worked with County Administration to ensure an excellent benefits package for active employees and retirees. In July 2017, she was promoted to the HR Manager position. In this position, she coordinates pension reporting and oversight, unemployment claims, tax and W-2 filing, audit and actuary reporting, and oversees the Payroll and Benefits Unit for over 900+ employees and 500+ retirees.

Elisabeth Reiter
Human Resources Specialist
269-383-8813
email

Elisabeth has been with the county for over 17 years. She began her service for the County of Kalamazoo through the co-op program while attending high school at Portage Northern. She transitioned to full time employment in 2001 as Senior Finance Clerk within the Finance Department. In 2003, she became the Accounting Records Coordinator, and most recently she has moved into her position as the Payroll/Compensation Specialist as of 2015. In her current roll she manages the production of all employee payroll including the retirement payroll. Her family will tell you that Elisabeth has always had a passion for finances, even from an early age. She continued to explore her interest in finance through the co-op program at Portage Northern, and seemed to find her niche while in her placement for the County of Kalamazoo. In her spare time, Elisabeth enjoys being a spectator at her children's sporting events as well as planning family trips and adventures.

Meri W. Tolbert
Human Resources Specialist
269-384-8225
email

Meri W. Tolbert received a Bachelors of Accounting and Finance degree from Davenport College and Human Resources certificates level 1-3 from The Employer's Association in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Meri's career of Human Resource Management began at Home Repair Services of Kent County, with 20 years of experience in office management, recruiting, hiring, payroll, benefits, training, succession plans and performance evaluations. Meri is eager to connect in providing services for smooth hiring and transition between Kalamazoo County and its employees.

Stephanie Wrisley
Human Resources Specialist
269-383-8953
email

Stephanie has been with the County for 10+ years and has worked in various positions, including Youth Specialist II, Detention Secretary, Administrative Assistant, and Temporary Supervisor. In 2018, Stephanie was promoted to a Human Resources Specialist position within the HR Department. Stephanie is passionate about helping others and enjoys assisting employees with payroll, leave usage, and finding answers to tough questions. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and is an instructor for multiple dance styles. Stephanie graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology.