Deon Strapp: Bringing a Customer Service Mindset to Public Sector HR

With experience in retail and as a consultant for the hospitality industry, Deon Strapp has always liked to bring a customer-oriented mindset to public sector HR.

“I originally pursued HR because, growing up in the retail world, I felt there was a lack of genuine customer service and approachability within HR,” says Strapp, the human resources director with the City of Detroit Lakes, Minn.

“I’ve always believed internal customer service should be just as strong as external customer service, and I wanted to be someone employees viewed as approachable, supportive and helpful.”

Transitioning into public service only “amplified those feelings,” he says, “because local government employees work incredibly hard behind the scenes to serve their communities, often without recognition. And I wanted to support the people who dedicate themselves to serving others.”

Strapp has provided that type of support for public servants in a number of HR positions, including as a human resources generalist at the Moorhead, Minn.-based Anne Carlsen Center, and as HR manager with PAM Rehab Hospital in Fargo, N.D.

Joining the City of Detroit Lakes in September 2024, Strapp’s role encompasses a broad range of human resources functions, including recruitment and onboarding, labor relations, policy development, workers’ compensation administration, employee relations and much more.

Strapp became a PSHRA member the same month he came on board with the City of Detroit Lakes, seeking an opportunity “to connect with other HR professionals who understand the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with public sector HR.”

The ability to make such connections was an especially important component of PSHRA membership for Strapp, who holds master’s degrees in human resources management and accountancy from the University of Arizona.

“Since the majority of my career has been in the private sector, it was important to me to build a network of peers I could learn from, lean on for support and also support in return as I continued growing in the public sector space,” says Strapp, who earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Minnesota State Moorhead.

Strapp is eager to continue his growth in the public sector, and to “become a stronger strategic resource for both employees and fellow HR professionals,” noting his passion for helping others problem-solve, develop and succeed.

He also points to the connection between the Minnesota PSHRA Chapter and the League of Minnesota Cities as being an especially valuable part of his professional growth, and the development of his home state public sector HR peers.

The relationship between the two organizations “creates opportunities to collaborate, share ideas and learn from professionals working through many of the same issues and responsibilities,” says Strapp.

“Having access to that network of peers and resources has helped me continue developing both professionally and strategically within public sector HR.”