LaCroix Is a Capable Choice for Dual-Role Position

Municipal Spotlight

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Staff Writer

Caroline LaCroix has heard a plethora of great things about the late Beth Connell-Smith and she’s well aware how efficient Connell-Smith was in her role as Bellingham’s Human Resource Director. 

“During my brief time in Bellingham, I’ve learned how dedicated and organized Beth  was and how committed she was not only as Human Resource director, but also to the town,’’ LaCroix said. “As her successor, I’ll do my best to live up to her standards.’’ 

Connell-Smith died last year on Dec. 17 and LaCroix, who was appointed in January, began working in March.

On the job for four months in her dual role as Human Resource Director and Assistant Town Administrator, LaCroix has adapted nicely. 

The 59-year-old native of Middleboro has made the transition from a city form of government (Mayor and City Council) to a town-meeting system (Select Board). For the last seven years, LaCroix worked as Weymouth’s Human Resource Director, and earlier in her career, she served in Weymouth as Director of Administrative and Community Services for a seven-year stretch and prior to that she was Assistant to the Executive Administrator for four years. 

Other municipal positions she’s held include Town Manager intern in Groton, Conn.; Special Projects employee for Westwood’s Town Administrator; Assistant to the Town Manager in Middleboro; and Human Resource Director in Marshfield. Her experience in municipal government totals 30-plus years.

“In 2007, the position I held in Weymouth was eliminated and all the other transitions were career advancements,’’ said LaCroix, who’s married and has two adult children. 

Because of her time as an assistant to Town Managers and Executive Administrators, LaCroix expressed an interest in also serving as Assistant Town Administrator in Bellingham. Interim Town Administrator Denis Fraine conferred with the Select Board, and she was hired for the dual position.

“I’ll fulfill my role and functions in human resources and support Denis in the daily operation of Bellingham’s municipal affairs,’’ she said. “And, when Denis ends his interim appointment, I’ll assist whomever is appointed. I look forward to working on projects for the Town Administrator.’’ 

LaCroix knows what the key is to succeed as a Human Resource Director.

“The key to success is all about working with others and being non-judgmental towards them,’’ she emphasized. “Helpful attributes are to be a good listener, to be objective and see other points of view, to be professional at all times and to have a sense of humor.’’

A municipal Human Resource Director deals with a variety of people — active municipal employees, active school employees, retirees, insurance vendors, taxpayers, elected and appointed officials and federal and state agency personnel.

“The role involves working on labor relations/union matters,’’ LaCroix noted. “Contract negotiations are a good example. Employee relations can include dealing with employee  complaints, requests to review a personnel file, training inquiries, disciplinary issues,  employee and retiree benefits and pension assistance.

“New employee recruitment involves job postings, writing job descriptions, conducting interviews and offers of employment. And, very often a director must provide reports for state and federal agencies during the year.’’

There are challenging situations that arise for Human Resource Directors. “What I regard as challenging are personnel matters, like employee illness or injury.’’ LaCroix said. “And, a director has to adjust to sweeping changes in state and federal legislation. The Mass. Municipal Association fortunately is on top of legislative changes, making it easier for directors to implement them.’’

Fraine is delighted to have LaCroix on board and is impressed with her work ethic. “Since joining our management team, Caroline has hit the ground running, bringing her many years of municipal experience with her,’’ he said. “While transition is always a challenge, Caroline has invested the energy and time along with her can-do attitude to make it as seamless as possible.”

LaCroix’ master’s degree in public administration from the University of Rhode Island in 1993 has been a big plus in her municipal positions. After graduation from Middleboro High where she was an honor student who enjoyed playing clarinet in the band, she earned her bachelor’s degree from UMass-Dartmouth, majoring in in political science and minoring in history.

The personable LaCroix, who still lives in Middleboro, felt comfortable early on in her roles at Bellingham’s Municipal Center. 

“I received an extraordinary welcome,’’ she said, “Everyone has been so kind and helpful, and Denis is the consummate professional. He defines the role of a Town Administrator. With his 35 years of experience, I’m honored to have had the opportunity to work with him.’’

LaCroix, who grew up on a dairy farm, spends her free time with farm obligations.

“I still live on the farm,’’ she said. “We have livestock. I love gardening, whether it’s flowers or vegetables, and we also cut hay. I also enjoy fairs, especially 4-H and grange fairs.’’

Caroline LaCroix no doubt is adept around farm animals and fairs. She’s embraced farm life for a long-time but she also plans on being at Bellingham’s Municipal Center for a long stretch.

“My letter of appointment from the Town Administrator is a four-year commitment,’’ she said. “I will fulfill that agreement and hopefully be with the town long-term.’’