Athens Reporter

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Acting Manager Niki Jones has appointed Vicki Casella as Human Resources Director. Her first day at the ACCGov Human Resources Department was August 20, 2024.

Casella brings over 20 years of human resources experience, primarily in public service. Most recently, she served with Gwinnett County for 14 years in various roles, including as Human Resources Director where she supported 20 departments and over 5,000 employees. She retired from Gwinnett County in 2021 and recently decided to explore new employment opportunities.

“We’re fortunate to have someone of Vicki's experience joining ACCGov,” said Jones. “She is very familiar with the unique challenges, programs, and opportunities related to the public sector human resources profession, and I know that she will be a great fit for our staff and management team.”

Casella also worked in the private sector as a human resources professional with two different companies for several years and began her career as an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Investigator with the City of Springfield, IL for six years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois and a certificate in human resources management from the University of Georgia.

“I’m excited to join the ACCGov team and appreciative of this opportunity to return to the human resources profession,” said Casella. “From everything I’ve experienced already, ACCGov has dedicated employees who provide high-quality public services to the community. I look forward to working together as the Human Resources Department continuously improves the services we provide to our employees and to Athens-Clarke County.”

Former Human Resources Director Jeff Hale resigned in February 2024 to pursue a private sector opportunity. Since then, interim directors have filled the position until a permanent director was named.

The ACCGov Human Resources Department provides services related to hiring, wellness, retirement benefits, employment benefits, and other human resources functions for its 1,800 full-time employees, part-time employees, and 800 retirees. For more information, visit www.accgov.com/hr.