(PROVIDENCE, R.I.)-The Most Rev. Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, today announced the appointment of a new director of Human Resources with more than 15 years of experience in the private sector consisting of organizational development, strategic planning and employee relations responsibilities.
John Bittner, who most recently served as director of Human Resources with Unidine Corporation in Boston, will officially assume his position on July 1 of this year. He will replace William G. Meyer who will retire having served in this position since 2000.
“I am pleased to appoint John Bittner to this important position in Diocesan administration,” said Bishop Tobin. “With thousands of employees related in some way to the Diocese of Providence, the Office of Human Resources plays a critical role in the life of the Church here in Rhode Island. Thanks to John’s expertise, our parishes, schools, agencies and valued employees will continue to have a resource by which to obtain counsel on matters relative to employment with the Diocese. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bill Meyer for his many years of dedicated service to the people of the Diocese.”
“I am very happy to be the new director of Human Resources for the Diocese of Providence,” said Bittner. “I believe my strong Catholic values and experience in the Human Resource field will allow me to be successful in this new role. I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women who make up the Diocese of Providence and supporting their Human Resource needs.”
“I am very pleased to welcome John to the Diocese as its new director of Human Resources,” said outgoing director William Meyer. “I shall look forward to working with him to bring about a smooth and efficient transition.”
Bittner’s previous assignments include Human Resources leadership positions with Aimco Property Management, Au Bon Pain Restaurants and Dunkin’ Donuts. In these roles, he has driven change in multicultural environments, developed succession planning strategies and offered counsel on matters relative to Family and Medical Leave, Fair Labor Standards Act, Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal Opportunity Employment. He has also served as an adjunct professor in Emmanuel College’s Graduate and Professional Programs.
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New Director of Human Resources
May 28, 2013
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As director of Human Resources, Bittner’s responsibilities include the monitoring of Diocesan benefit packages, staying abreast of changes to state and federal laws governing employment, compliance with such laws, maintaining and administering the Diocesan compensation structure with regard to employee performance evaluations, assisting agencies with recruitment and hiring, facilitating the Internal Lay Personnel Advisory Committee, coordinate employee wellness programs and much more. Bittner will also serve as a resource to pastors, principals and agency directors with regard to employment matters.
Bittner holds a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Rhode Island in Business Administration and a Master’s in Education from Johnson and Wales University.
His wife Kim and two boys, Michael 14 and Nicholas 10 are active in their parish, St. Rocco in Johnston where he is a member of The Holy Name Society, coach of the parish school’s basketball team and volunteers for the annual feast celebration. Bittner also served on the search committee for a new principal at St. Rocco School and is a current member of the Parish Finance Council. He and his sons volunteer as ushers and his wife has served as a president of the school’s Parent Teacher Association.
