Benton County welcomes new chief human resources officer

Benton County is pleased to announce the hiring of Tammy Webb as chief human resources officer. Webb began work in the position on January 2.

Webb has worked in the Benton County Human Resources Department for more than 10 years, serving as assistant director since September 2023, and she has held the position of interim CHRO since the retirement of Tracy Martineau in October. She has also operated as a County representative in multiple labor contract negotiations. 

Prior to joining the County in 2015, Webb spent 15 years in the private sector. There, she developed outstanding skills in the areas of quality and training, benefits administration and providing comprehensive human resources guidance and technical assistance to a broad spectrum of clients and customers. 

She brought this foundation of skills and knowledge to Benton County in 2015 where she has progressed in the Human Resources Department while honing her expertise in benefits coordination, classification and compensation programs, leave of absence programs, labor relations, employee recruitment and onboarding. 

Webb’s ability to adapt and innovate is a priority for County Administrator Rachel McEneny.

“When I interviewed with the County in 2023, the hiring panels and community forums asked many questions about the changing dynamics in the workforce,” said McEneny. “This inter-generational workforce wants and needs different tools to work and be the public servants that our community deserves. She is the leader we need now in the County to attract new talent and take care of our greatest asset — our outstanding employees.”

McEneny has worked closely with Webb since the AFSCME labor disruption in November 2024 and has been impressed with her knowledge and performance.  

“As someone who has lived many years in Benton County, Tammy knows this community and knows our workforce. She is highly respected by her colleagues, and I am confident she will be able to lead the change we need to be ready for.”

 “Through the interview and hiring process I’ve come to know her in a new way and to understand just how good she is at understanding the workforce and strategizing to meet current and future needs.” 

The County employed local-government executive recruitment firm Strategic Government Resources to conduct the candidate search.

In a highly competitive recruitment process, Webb demonstrated a command of all disciplines in human resources. Her depth of knowledge about labor relations and complex laws, statutes, policy and bargaining agreements separated her from the other candidates. She demonstrated vision and strategic thinking for the future of the Benton County Human Resources Department.

Webb holds a Bachelor of Science in human resource management from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and a Professional in Human Resources certification. She lives in Philomath with her husband.

In the coming year, Webb will serve as an integral part of important job recruitments at the County including director-level positions, much-needed behavioral health staffing and essential public safety roles.