March's Featured Manager: James Massey

Massey's Advice: Listen to customers and employees

Name and title: James Massey, election director of the Harford County Board of Elections, the state agency responsible for voter registration and administering elections in the county. He manages a staff of 15 with an annual budget of $2 million.

Personal background: Massey grew up in Bel Air. After graduating from Bel Air High School, he earned a bachelor’s degree at Western Maryland College, now McDaniel College and a master’s degree from Towson University. He has been a member of the Harford Cable Network Advisory Board, the Cultural Arts Board, the Bel Air Board of Appeals and the West Bel Air Community Association.

Professional background: After working for the Harford County Public Library for 24 years, Massey served as the Harford County Council’s Administrator for four years and was division manager of the County’s Senior Center. He became election director in 2006 after retiring from county government. Last year he received certification in elections and registration administration through Auburn University. Massey represents

Keys to success: “Being able to focus on the big picture but ensuring that the essential details are handled. As a manager, it’s important to establish and maintain a positive work environment where employees and customers are treated with respect,” Massey said, adding it is important to stay calm and keep positive even in stressful situations.

Goals: Massey said, “Implementing change without additional funding requires vision and creativity. Accepting change and being able to be proactive in implementing change can lead to professional success and positive growth.”

Advice: “Forgive the cliché but life is a learning experience. Learn from your past mistakes and use previous experience to apply to new situations,” said Massey, who counseled to leave personal feelings out of decision making and never make a decision in anger. When having trouble making a decision, he recommended talking it out with a coworker or family member.

What could be done to make business more successful: “Listen to your customers and your employees. Too many businesses operate on autopilot without getting feedback from those you serve or who provide your services,” said Massey. He said successful businesses and government must stay current with technologies that can help serve customers without necessarily increasing costs.