TATIANA DIAZ
ALBANY,NEW YORK
Summary
Dynamic bilingual public sector leader with over 15 years of progressive experience, including a decade in local government and senior HR leadership since 2020. Proven track record at the City of Albany, spearheading initiatives that increased applications by 40% and reduced vacancies by 25% while modernizing civil service systems and strengthening workforce pipelines.
Recognized for leading organizational change and stabilizing HR operations during executive transitions. Trusted advisor to executive leadership, boards, and elected officials, with deep expertise in talent acquisition, classification and compensation, benefits administration, labor relations, and civil service compliance. Known for a people-centered approach that connects strategy to real outcomes—expanding access to public service careers and building stronger, more responsive organizations.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Human Resources and Civil Service
City of Albany
Albany, New York
01.2023 - Current
- Lead human resources and civil service administration for the City of Albany and affiliated jurisdictions, including the Albany City School District, Albany Parking Authority, Albany Housing Authority, and Albany Public Library.
- Serve as Secretary to the Albany Municipal Civil Service Commission, ensuring compliance with New York State Civil Service Law and applicable rules and regulations.
- Designed and launched the Join Albany recruitment campaign, increasing applications by 40% and reducing citywide vacancies by 25%.
- Designed and implemented a comprehensive Citywide employee orientation program, standardizing onboarding, improving the new hire experience, and reinforcing organizational culture and expectations across departments.
- Built and led a civil service workshop series, expanding community access to public service careers and strengthening workforce pipelines.
- Modernized HR and civil service operations through digitization of applications, onboarding, and internal hiring processes, improving efficiency and accessibility.
- Reorganized the HR division into a cross-trained team structure, strengthening service delivery and operational continuity.
- Directed a dependent eligibility audit resulting in over $1 million in cost savings while enhancing benefits compliance.
Human Resources Manager
City of Albany
Albany, New York
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Directed the design, negotiation, and administration of citywide employee benefits programs, including health, dental, vision, FSA, EAP, and retirement plans.
- Directed HR and civil service programs, policies, and processes to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Planned, implemented, and evaluated HR policies and procedures across multiple city departments.
- Advised senior leadership on labor relations strategy, guiding disciplinary actions, grievance resolution, and contract interpretation.
- Provided guidance to departments on HR policies, employment matters, and compliance requirements.
- Led HR training initiatives for departments and internal staff to strengthen knowledge and consistency in HR practices.
- Coordinated recruitment efforts, including job fairs and civil service examinations, to fulfill workforce needs.
- Monitored compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and City policies.
- Managed and ensured timely submission of all HR and civil service compliance reporting.
- Served as Secretary to Albany Municipal Civil Service Commission, ensuring compliance with civil service regulations and facilitating personnel actions.
Senior Civil Service Administrator
City of Albany
Albany, New York
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Facilitated civil service processes, including examination administration, eligible list management, and personnel transactions to support efficient hiring.
- Assisted with recruitment activities, including job postings, candidate communication, and interview coordination.
- Supported day-to-day human resources operations, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and benefits administration.
- Coordinated onboarding processes, enhancing new hire integration into city service.
- Maintained employee records and ensured accuracy and compliance with applicable regulations.
- Supported benefits administration, including employee enrollment, changes, and issue resolution.
- Provided guidance to employees and supervisors on HR policies, procedures, and workplace matters.
- Implemented HR process improvements, streamlining operations and improving service delivery.
- Provided administrative and operational support to HR leadership and departmental initiatives.
Executive Assistant
Capital Bank
Albany, New York
08.2017 - 07.2018
- Managed executive operations for CEO and President as office administrator.
- Streamlined workflow and document management for timely access to critical paperwork.
- Composed technical communications, including confidential reports and meeting minutes.
- Coordinated planning and execution of quarterly advisory board meetings.
- Oversaw procurement and distribution of marketing materials across capital region branches.
- Facilitated company sponsorships and organized events to enhance community engagement.
- Led human resources initiatives, including interview scheduling and new hire orientations.
- Supervised administrative staff and interns.
Staff Assistant
City of Albany
Albany, New York
04.2017 - 08.2017
- Responded independently to all communications from potential job candidates and to inquiries regarding personnel practices, procedures and services, job vacancies, civil service exams, interpreting Human Resources policies, and other applicable laws, rules and regulations.
- Received, reviewed, and approved applications/resumes of candidates for positions within the City of Albany to ensure eligibility.
- Maintained detailed confidential personnel records and files.
- Acted as liaison between departments, local agencies, employees, and the public to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
- Coordinated and presented at career and recruitment fairs to inform candidates about job opportunities within the City of Albany.
- Prepared vacancy and civil service test announcements based on data submitted by The NYS Department of Civil Service, department heads and/or supervisors as well as classified ads for all positions.
- Assisted in employment paperwork composition and processing.
- Managed administrative tasks within the Department of Administrative Services to support operational efficiency.
Information Clerk II
City of Albany
Albany, New York
07.2015 - 04.2017
- Delivered customer service and provided information to public, visitors, and clients in person and via telephone, enhancing community engagement.
- Entered, retrieved, and updated information from multiple record databases, and computer systems.
- Drafted and processed correspondence, including accident reports for City of Albany vehicles and property, ensuring accurate documentation.
- Coordination and distribution of yearly safety gear for multiple City of Albany Departments.
- Managed and updated fleet inventory and report management system.
- Facilitated payroll processing to ensure timely employee compensation.
- Supported the process of addressing city code violations to ensure compliance with local laws and maintain community standards.
Lead Administrative Support Associate
Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany, New York
2010 - 07.2015
- Supervised and coordinated front end staff to manage clinic coverage and schedules for absences.
- Trained new employees, serving as primary resource for administrative inquiries and staff support.
- Organized and maintained confidential medical and personnel records, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Updated performance appraisals, education records, employment contracts, and training requirements for resident physicians.
- Relayed medical information discreetly in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Developed and maintained physician clinic schedules and appointment calendars.
- Arranged travel and conference itineraries for department medical providers.
- Secured insurance authorizations and coordinated follow-ups on testing and referrals to specialists.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Public Administration
HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
TROY, NY01-2018
Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Public Administration
- Civil Service Administration
- Benefit Administration
- HR Policy Development & Regulatory Compliance
- Recruitment Strategy & Talent Pipeline Development
- Workforce Planning & Development
- Labor Relations & Workplace Negotiation
- HR Systems Modernization
- Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
- Project Management
Certification
New York State Civil Service Institute, 2019
Accomplishments
40 Under 40 Honoree (2026) – Recognized by the Albany Business Review for professional achievement, leadership, and impact in the Capital Region.
Affiliations
Board Trustee (2025–Present) – WMHT Public Media; contribute to governance and strategic direction of a leading regional public media organization focused on education and community engagement.
Timeline
Director of Human Resources and Civil Service
City of Albany
01.2023 - Current
Human Resources Manager
City of Albany
01.2020 - 01.2023
Senior Civil Service Administrator
City of Albany
07.2018 - 12.2019
Executive Assistant
Capital Bank
08.2017 - 07.2018
Staff Assistant
City of Albany
04.2017 - 08.2017
Information Clerk II
City of Albany
07.2015 - 04.2017
Lead Administrative Support Associate
Albany Medical Center Hospital
2010 - 07.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Public Administration
HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE