WS Chronicle

City Manager Lee Garrity has announced the appointment of Marquis H. Barnett as the city’s human resources director. Barnett succeeds Carmen Caruth, who retired at the end of May. He will assume his duties Sept. 28.

Barnett has more than 12 years of human resources experience and has served as the assistant human resources director for the City of High Point since October 2016. Prior to that he was a human resources analyst with the City of Winston-Salem.

“After conducting a thorough national search, Marquis clearly distinguished himself as the right person to be our next human resources director,” Garrity said. “The energy, enthusiasm and innovative mind-set that he has exhibited at every stage of his career will be of great benefit to our employees, and we are happy that he is coming back to work for us.”

Barnett said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with city employees again, and I thank Manager Garrity for the faith he has put into me to help enhance the city’s commitment to continuous learning and improvement.”

Barnett has a bachelor’s degree from Howard University, a master’s degree in human resource development from Villanova University, and a doctorate in leadership and learning in organizations from Vanderbilt University.

Barnett is an adjunct professor in UNC-Greensboro’s master of public affairs program and is a senior certified professional with the Society for Human Resource Management and the International Public Management Association. He currently chairs the board of directors for the Winston-Salem Urban League and serves as treasurer of the N.C. chapter of the International Public Management Association. He is a certified conflict and dispute mediator and a graduate of Leadership High Point.

Barnett and his wife, Deniece, have two children. His salary will be $134,568 annually.