Human Resources Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations

Strategic Human Resources Management and Planning 53

Exercise 2.2: Travis County, Texas, Facing a Brain Drain

A quarter of Texas ’ s Travis County ’ s four thousand employees are eligible

to retire within fi ve years. Many of the county ’ s department heads and

managers can retire with full benefi ts next year. Christian Smith, the county ’ s

chief budget and planning offi cer, informed the Austin American - Statesman

that most county departments lack succession plans and management

mentoring programs.

Travis County had no successor when Mike Trimble, head of the

Criminal Justice Planning Department, retired two years ago. The county

is still looking for his replacement while discussions of a new courthouse

and possible jail expansion continue.

Questions

1. Where do the responsibilities fall in addressing the impending
   retirements?


2. What steps should Travis County implement to be better prepared for
   the retirement of department heads and managers, and the four thou-
   sand employees eligible to retire within fi ve years?

Source: Toohey (2008).