Gary O'Connor has joined Nassau BOCES as Executive Director of Human Resources, where he will oversee all recruitment for the agency as well as employee related programs and services for school districts.

O'Connor joins the agency from North Shore /Long Island Jewish Health System where he served as director of Human Resources. He also headed up Human Resources at Herbert G. Birch Services, the 92nd Street YMYWHA and Essex Valley Healthcare System.

"Gary's strategic human resources skills are a great fit for the agency," says Nassau BOCES District Superintendent Dr. James D. Mapes. "He'll provide the critical elements needed to offer outstanding customer service in support of our staff and our school district partners."

A resident of Garden City, O'Connor began his career in education as a high school guidance counselor in the Herricks School District. Later he made a move to the human resources sector and worked in the healthcare field for several years. Recently he completed his School Business Administrator and School District Administrator certifications, for which he interned in the Glen Cove School District as a school business official.

The Nassau BOCES Department of Human Resources recruits for the agency and provides services to school districts including a Substitute Management Program, the Employee Assistance Program, an Interim Placement Service, Teacher Recruitment and an Online Application System (OLAS).

Other executive promotions recently announced include:

Karen Ellis was promoted to assistant director of Special Education; she was formerly a supervisor in that department.

Joan Siegel was promoted to associate superintendent of Business Services; she was formerly the executive director of that department.

James Widmer was promoted to assistant director of Business Services; he was formerly a senior account manager in that department.