This month’s spotlight features Makda Fessahaye, Director of the Department of Employee Relations for the City of Milwaukee. Read more to learn about Makda and her work.
Can you please describe your current position?
I was appointed by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett to serve in his cabinet as the Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Milwaukee in Milwaukee, WI. I have been in the role since February 2021. I previously served in State of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ administration as the Division of Adult Institutions Administrator for the Department of Corrections. Prior to that I worked as an employment attorney for the Department of Corrections and also practiced open government law.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of a career in law?
I have been blessed to utilize my legal education and background as a stepping stone into high level roles in government. If you asked me a few years ago where I would be now, I could not have ever imagined the career I have had thus far.
Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role?
In my current role, I oversee the direction of the City’s civil service system, recruitment and retention, classification and compensation, compliance, workers compensation and safety, and other labor and employee relations matters. The department provides human resources support services to City agencies to attract, retain, and motivate a high-performing, diverse workforce. I am responsible for City-wide compliance with state and federal employment laws, local ordinances, and civil service rules. I advise the Mayor and fellow cabinet members on employment matters, regulatory compliance, and best employment practices. I also manage a $4 million operating budget and a $120 million benefits budget. I also serve as the Department’s spokesperson for the City of Milwaukee on employee relations issues.
As the Chief Human Resources Officer for the city of Milwaukee, what are some of the challenges you face and how do you work through them?
The easy answer is that there is never enough money in government to do all that you aspire to do. I am responsible to finding ways to get creative and find ways we can make the City of Milwaukee a better employer and workplace without spending a lot of money. Another challenge I face that is not novel to government officials is that we are often working with an antiquated or outdated system or way of doing things. My vision for the department that I run is to do things more efficiently and strategically.
Your work deals with aspects of employment and labor law which requires you to coach employees from time to time. What are three pieces of advice you find yourself consistently giving to employees?
My last role working for the Department of Corrections has given me a perspective that I no longer take for granted. I worked in an environment where literally everything was an emergency. I was constantly dealing with life and death. That experience absolutely shapes how I look at my current work and how I lead.
- Take a deep breath. Take a break as needed.
- Set your boundaries early and often.
- Be respectful to others.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment?
I wanted to be a lawyer since I was in the 7th grade. Graduating from law school and being able to practice law has easily been one of my proudest professional accomplishments. Like many others, I am the first lawyer in my family. To be able to accomplish that dream and then some is something I never take for granted.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to transition into your line of work?
My career trajectory is unlike most. I ultimately would advise anyone that wants to go into law, government or human resources to remain open to experiences and opportunities. Get valuable experiences that enhance your transferable skill sets. Finally, value your relationships and beware of burning bridges. You never know how the next person can impact your career. I certainly would not be where I am today without the relationships and connections I cultivated.
Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
Lots! A lot of the things I do for fun surround bringing people together, so if it’s not hosting a game night, it’s coordinating an outing of some sort. Pre-COVID-19, I enjoyed travelling domestically and internationally. You can probably also catch me watching the latest documentary about pop culture or Black history. I also enjoy singing. I sing in my church’s gospel choir.