Employee Spotlight: Michael Niedzielski, New Human Resources Director

Michael Niedzielski, a Toledo native, has assumed the role of Director of Human Resources for the City of Toledo, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Niedzielski grew up in Toledo's DeVeaux Village neighborhood and graduated from Central Catholic High School's Class of 1984. He then pursued his education at Bowling Green State University, earning a business degree with a concentration in human resource management, and graduated summa cum laude in 1988. His involvement with the City's Human Resource Department started early.

During the summer of 1987, while at BGSU, Niedzielski interned with the City’s HR Department. He played a role in administering the firefighter test, showcasing his commitment to contributing to his community. Following his education, Niedzielski held positions that demonstrated his diverse skill set. At Roppe Rubber in Fostoria, he served as the Assistant Employee Relations Manager, earning the nickname "Safety Guy" for his dedication to employee safety and well-being. Niedzielski attended The Ohio State University for law school, graduating in May 1993.

This legal foundation set the stage for his later roles within the City of Toledo. In April 2001, Niedzielski became part of the City's Law Department as an Assistant Prosecutor, taking on the role of representing the City in diverse legal proceedings. Over time, Niedzielski shifted his focus to the Human Resources side of the City's operations. He moved to the Labor and Employment section within the Law Department in August 2010 and later transitioned to Human Resources in January 2014 as the Chief of Collective Bargaining. His negotiation skills and strategic thinking contributed to improved labor-management relations during his tenure.

Niedzielski's impact continued to expand. He was appointed as Commissioner of HR in July 2015 and subsequently became the Director, overseeing a team of 17 professionals and managing an operating budget of $10 million.

"I'm excited about leading a truly dedicated and talented team as we modernize our Human Resources Department,” Niedzielski said.

Outside of work, Niedzielski enjoys cycling and golfing. A supporter of both Ohio State and the Detroit Tigers, he's passionate about sports. He also loves to travel and visit national parks. He has a 20-year-old son who is a junior at Ohio State.