About the Personnel Review Board

What Is the Board's Function?

The Personnel Review Board receives, in writing, alleged charge(s) of the Civil Service Rule VII, Section 4 violation(s) by Milwaukee County employees in the classified service from the appointing authority (department) or a citizen. The Board serves the employee with a copy of the written charges and an initial date to appear before the Board to offer a defense. The employee may choose to have representation provided by their union or by private legal counsel when appearing before the Board. If the employee chooses to be represented by private legal counsel, the cost is incurred by the employee.

The Personnel Review Board has the jurisdiction to hear charges for discipline in the following situations:

• The employee is not on probation at the time of discipline
• The employee has received a disciplinary notice of suspension for 11 or more days
• The employee has received a second disciplinary notice of suspension within six months of receiving a first disciplinary notice of suspension for 10 days or less regardless of the infractions
• The employee has received a disciplinary notice for demotion or discharge

Other duties of the Personnel Review Board:

• To hear all appeals of non-represented Milwaukee County employees in the final step of the established County Grievance Procedure (Milwaukee County General Ordinance 17.207)

Board Members

Greg Renz - President - Term Expires 10/31/2028

Greg W. Renz is a graduate of Marquette University (summa cum laude) and the University of Chicago Law School (cum laude). For almost 40 years, he has worked as an attorney for Foley & Lardner LLP, concentrating primarily in the area of employee retirement benefits. Although technically in "retired" status since February 2013, he continues on a part-time basis assisting Foley & Lardner LLP with its own employee benefit plans.

Mr. Renz authored the Private Retirement Financing chapter of Advising Older Clients and Their Families, and co-authored the Employee Benefits chapter of Wisconsin Employment Law, both published by the State Bar of Wisconsin. His professional memberships include the American Bar Association and State Bar of Wisconsin.

 

 Peggy Schneider - Vice President - Term Expires 03/20/2030

Ms. Schneider is a seasoned Human Resources professional with over three decades of comprehensive experience in the field. For over 7 years she served Milwaukee County as an HR Business Partner, where she honed her expertise supporting the Department of Health and Human Services, Milwaukee County Parks, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Administrative Services.

Throughout her career, Ms. Schneider has played a pivotal role in supporting managers across diverse departments with disciplinary actions, including the formulation of written charges that would be presented to the Personnel Review Board. Her ability to navigate the complexities of employee relations has made her an invaluable resource for leadership within an organization. Ms. Schneider's approach is characterized by a strong focus on fairness and compliance with established policies, ensuring that all actions taken align with legal standards and best practices. 

Through her dedication and commitment to ethical HR practices, Ms. Schneider has established herself as a trusted advisor and an influential leader in the field of Human Resources. Her contributions extend beyond immediate personnel issues, positioning her as a key player in the long-term success of an organization and its employees.

 

 Brenda Ottesen - Term Expires 12/18/2029

Brenda Ottesen earned an MBA with a focus in Public Administration from Concordia University. Ms. Ottesen also has several professional certifications in Human Resources, Servant Leadership, and Emotional Intelligence.

In 2022 she retired from Milwaukee County after 28 years of service. During her tenure she managed several program areas with the Clerk of Circuit Court, Child Support, and Health and Human Services.

 

 

 Samantha Baker - Term Expires 12/18/2031

Samantha H. Baker is a shareholder at AxePoint Law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She advises small and mid-sized businesses, specializing in real estate, mergers and acquisitions, employment law, and corporate governance and compliance. Beyond her legal practice, Samantha owns and operates several commercial real estate ventures. Samantha is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University Law School, where she also serves as an Adjunct Law Professor. Samantha is the current President of the State Bar of Wisconsin Young Lawyers Division and a board member of the State Bar of Wisconsin Business Law Section.