Broomfield Hires New Human Resources, Cultural Affairs Directors

BROOMFIELD, CO — The City and County of Broomfield has announced the appointments of a new director of human resources and director of library and cultural affairs. Abby Yellman, the former director of library and cultural affairs, will take the helm of the Department of Human Resources upon the retirement of Suzzanne Smith.

Smith has had a "remarkable" 25-year-career that shaped the human resources team that's in place today, the City and County of Broomfield said in its announcement. Smith has agreed to remain in an advisory capacity through the fall to ensure a smooth transition.

As Broomfield’s Library and Cultural Affairs director, Yellman led the team through a complete reorganization and realignment of services to better meet community needs, Broomfield officials said. She's also the current leader of Broomfield's BORIS Matrix Team, which successfully stabilized the human resource management system.

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Yellman has "brought forward significant efficiencies to build a strong, highly capable, responsive team who are well prepared to manage the system moving forward," Broomfield's announcement read.

“Abby’s accomplishments in Broomfield have been transformational in moving this organization forward,” said Jennifer Hoffman, the incoming city and county manager, in a statement. “We’re looking forward to the exciting changes to come under her leadership.”

Yellman will begin working with the team to transform the current Human Resources Department into the People and Innovation Department, which will "highlight our people and embrace innovation throughout the City and County of Broomfield," city and county officials said in the announcement. The transition is anticipated to take about six months to fully implement.

The current deputy director of library and cultural affairs, Kathryn Lynip, has been appointed director of the department.

"Lynip has served as a key partner to Yellman and the team," the City and County of Broomfield said in its announcement. "She has been instrumental in the overall shift of the LCA work culture and increased emphasis on collaboration, both internally and externally. This shift empowered staff to provide additional programs and services highlighting the Library, Arts and Sciences. Lynip was key to the integration of CSU Extension to the department, as well as collaborative initiatives like Career Online High School (with Broomfield Workforce) and programming currently happening at the Broomfield Detention Center."

During the transition, Lynip will guide the vision, operations and service delivery of the Library and Cultural Affairs Department, Broomfield officials said. She will also assume related responsibilities to its boards and commissions and presentations to the city council.