Joan Walko is a Senior Vice President with GovHR USA focusing on recruitment and human resources consulting. She most recently served as Director of Interim Services and Consulting with Strategic Government Resources. Prior to SGR, Joan was the Senior Human Resources Business Partner for the City of Largo, FL. She also has experience in human resources with school systems, utilities, and in the private sector. Joan is based in Safety Harbor, Florida.
Joan has broad experience in administration, operational, and financial aspects of municipal government and all disciplines of human resources including talent acquisition and retention, executive recruitment, on-boarding, ERP (implementation, setup and maintenance), employee relations, compensation and classification, performance management/improvement, risk management, coaching, and benefits and wellness programs.
Joan holds a bachelor of science in Mass Communications and a master’s degree in Human Resources Development. A lifelong learner, she has advanced certifications from both HRCI (SPHR) and SHRM (SHRM-SCP) and obtained her 620 Adjuster – All Lines License. She recently completed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate from USF Muma College of Business.
Professional Education, Training and Instruction
- MS, Human Resources Development
- BS, Mass Communications
- SPHR, Senior Professional Human Resources (HRCI)
- SHRM-SCP, Senior Certified Professional (SHRM)
- 620 Adjuster – All Lines License
Memberships and Affiliations
- Suncoast Human Resources – Member
- Director, College Relations – 2015-16
- Howard County Human Resource Association Member – 15 years (Director, Nominations – Director, Publicity – Director, Programs)
- Safety Harbor Citizen’s Academy – Graduated, 2017
- Largo Citizen’s Academy – Graduated, 2016
- Human Resources Committee Member – 15 years (First Evangelical Lutheran Church)
- Special Events Committee Member – 15 years (St. Johns Lane Community Association)
- Social Media Volunteer – 5 years (Baltimore Buzz Brigade)
- Certified Tourism Ambassador™ (CTA) Program – 5 years
Local Government Professional Background
- City of Largo, Senior Human Resources Business Partner – 2014-2021
- Howard County Public School System, Compensation & Staffing Generalist – 2005-2014
- Constellation Energy (Baltimore Gas & Electric) Sr. Human Resources Consultant – 2002-2004
- Digex Incorporated, Sr. Compensation & Benefits Consultant – 2001-2002
- Harbor Consulting Partners, Principal – 1995-2001
- University of Maryland, Baltimore, Manager, Compensation – 1992-1995
- Johns Hopkins Health System (JHHS), Compensation Specialist – 1990-1992
