Fred Gaston is stepping down as the director of human resources for the city of La Vergne, effective March 1.  Gaston has accepted a senior level position as the human resources administrator for the Department of Labor and Workforce Development with the State of Tennessee.

“Since the first day he walked in the doors at City Hall, Mr. Gaston has helped move our city forward by leaps and bounds,” said Mayor Senna Mosley.  “He has been pivotal in reshaping our workforce into one where employees no longer simply get by. We have transformed the city from one riddled with egregious personnel violations to a city where our employees must be qualified and able to perform their tasks ethically, morally, and legally.”

Gaston was recruited by leadership of Governor Bill Haslam’s administration.  He will be a part of the department that oversees the state’s initiatives in adult education, employment security, occupational safety and health administration, regulations and compliance, workers compensation, and workforce development.

“It has been an honor to work for Mayor Mosley and the City of La Vergne,” said Gaston.  “I have witnessed a struggling city transform into one that that provides top-notch services to its diverse population. We have put talented professionals in place and I am convinced the city will continue this positive momentum under the leadership of Mayor Mosley.”

As human resources director, Gaston took a proactive, hands-on approach to end employment practices that previously caused the city to lose multiple lawsuits for discrimination and workplace harassment. He transitioned the employment application process from paper to electronic with the implementation of NEOGOV Insight and On-line Hiring Center.  Gaston also created the City New Hire Orientation, initiated an electronic Open Enrollment process for group benefits, increased funding in city’s health reserve fund, and coached and mentored department heads and supervisors on performance and behavior issues. Additionally, he achieved Title VI TDOT, GSA and Military compliance for the city. 

“Our loss is a gain for the state and for every Tennessean,” said Mosley. “The years Fred spent in La Vergne have been a gift and we are grateful we have had the opportunity to work with him and to call him friend.”