Novi Schools Appoints New HR Director

From Novi Community School District: One of the most veteran administrators in Okemos Public Schools, Gary Kinzer, has been hired by the Novi Community School District as assistant superintendent of human resources.

Kinzer is the replacement for Carol Diglio, who retired after a 28-year leadership career in the district.

“I am excited to welcome Mr. Kinzer to Novi,” Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews said. “He has big shoes to fill but I am confident in his abilities and what he will bring to our district. His experience in education is broad and that will serve him well as he comes to Novi and provides leadership in our human resources office and to our district.”

Kinzer comes to Novi from Hiawatha Elementary School, where he has served as principal since 2006. He began his administrative tenure in Okemos at Kinawa Middle School as an assistant principal and athletic director, in 1999. Prior to becoming an administrator, Kinzer was an English teacher at Okemos High School (1994-99) and Imlay City High School (1993-94).

With more than 17 years of administrative experience, Kinzer has served on bargaining teams, been the lead in the administrative association, and served in an interim position in central office. He has strong experiences in hiring and developing staff, while understanding Michigan’s complex teacher and staff evaluation process.

On Oct. 5, Novi’s Board of Education approved Kinzer, by a 4-2 vote. His first day on the job is Oct. 23.

Kinzer earned a bachelor’s degree in English and secondary education from the University of Michigan-Flint and a master’s in educational administration from Michigan State University. He expects to finish his doctoral degree in educational leadership from MSU in May 2018.

“During my 24 years as an educator, I have had the opportunity to work with many gifted educators. I have learned from each of them,” wrote Kinzer. “The district human resources leader will have a unique opportunity to build upon the foundation of respect and collaboration that I am confident already exists with the Novi Community Schools.”

Gary Kinzer, the new assistant superintendent for human resources, addressed the Novi Schools Board of Education during the Oct. 19 meeting at the Educational Services Building. (Photo by Carol Diglio/NCSD)