New Chief Talent Officer Named For Norwalk Public Schools

NORWALK, CT – Javier Padilla has been selected as Chief Talent Officer for Norwalk Public Schools. A fully bilingual human resources professional with more than 15 years of HR experience, Padilla brings strategic, operational and leadership experience to the district.

According to a news release, Padilla joins NPS from the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center in Hartford, which provides services through 2,500 staff members at one main campus and five satellite campuses. During his eight-year tenure there, Padilla held a variety of HR management roles.

Most recently, he served as director of human resources, providing HR support and direction in areas that included employee relations, performance management, rewards, and retention. His achievements included developing and facilitating “Leaders” Foundation Training, launching an employee survey that resulted in 81 percent participation, enhancing employee onboarding and leader assimilation processes, and redesigning incentive programs to attract key talent.

His work included key strategic initiatives in areas such as engagement, onboarding, performance management, succession planning and talent review.

Prior to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, Padilla served in human resources at Aetna, Inc., where his responsibilities included HR strategy, talent planning and acquisition. He was also certified through Aetna’s Six Sigma-sponsored program.

His earlier career includes roles as regional human resources manager at OTIS Elevator Company, talent acquisition manager at The Phoenix Life Insurance Company, staffing manager at ING U.S. Financial Services and manager of placement and employer services at Capital Region Workforce Development Board.

Padilla also taught for five years at Academia Del Parque in Santurce, Puerto Rico and Harmon Hall in Mexico City, Mexico. Padilla earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science/Spanish from the University of

Connecticut, and a Juris Doctor from Western New England College School of Law.

He is also a Certified Professional Co-active Coach (CPCC), accredited by the International Coach
Federation.

His recent community service includes volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club of Hartford. Padilla has also volunteered with Leadership Greater Hartford, served as a student governance committee chair at Hartford Public Schools and was a member of the board of directors for Literacy Volunteers of Hartford.

Padilla is fluent in English and Spanish. His appointment will be confirmed at the August Board of Education meeting.

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Photo credit: Brenda Wilcox Williams