He’s one of the good guys in city service, helming the Civil Service Department for many years, not an easy position juggling the merits of personnel, qualifications and testing procedures. Eric Amado is leaving city service after 15 years combined as leader of personnel and human resources to direct human resources for Fairfield Public Schools.
“Ultimately this decision was not made because of salary or title,” Amado wrote in a statement to OIB. “It was made after carefully considering what I believe is the best long-term decision for my family and, most importantly, for my children. That reality does not make leaving any easier, but it is a responsibility that I cannot ignore as a father.”
No word yet on Amado’s replacement. An acting personnel director will likely be appointed while a national search commences, an applicant ultimately chosen by the Civil Service Commission.
Amado’s credentials are well known by Fairfield Superintendent of Schools Michael Testani who served as Bridgeport school leader prior to his appointment in Fairfield.
News release from Fairfield schools:
Fairfield Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Eric M. Amado, Jr. as the new Executive Director of Human Resources, effective July 20, 2026. Mr. Amado joins the district after more than 15 years of progressive human resources leadership with the City of Bridgeport, where he most recently served as Personnel Director. In that role, he provided executive leadership for the City’s Civil Service and personnel functions, supporting a workforce of approximately 4,000 full-time employees across more than 60 municipal departments and agencies.
Prior to serving as Personnel Director, Mr. Amado held several positions, beginning with the City of Bridgeport as a Personnel Trainee and advancing through positions as Personnel Assistant, Human Resources Generalist, and Director of Labor Relations. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in recruitment and selection, labor relations, employee relations, benefits administration, classification and compensation, workforce planning, policy development, organizational effectiveness, and compliance with federal and state employment laws.
Mr. Amado brings valuable experience working with school personnel, having negotiated and administered multiple collective bargaining agreements, including several collective bargaining agreements covering non-certified employees of the Bridgeport Board of Education. He is recognized for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to open communication, and ability to build strong, productive relationships with employees, administrators, union representatives, and community stakeholders.
A Fairfield County, Connecticut native, Mr. Amado has longstanding ties to the Fairfield community. He attended The Unquowa School, graduated from Fairfield College Preparatory School, and later earned his degree from Assumption University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Returning to Fairfield in this leadership capacity represents a meaningful full-circle moment in both his personal and professional journey.
Mr. Amado believes that outstanding school districts are built by outstanding people.
“It is truly an honor to join Fairfield Public Schools and return to the community that played such an important role in my own educational journey,” said Amado. “I believe the best Human Resources departments are trusted partners that help employees succeed while ensuring the district remains accountable, compliant, fiscally responsible, and focused on supporting both student success and the employee experience. Relationships are at the center of effective Human Resources, and my goal is to build trust by being visible, accessible, and responsive. I want to build strong relationships, support our employees, foster a positive workplace culture, and create an environment where every employee feels respected, valued, and empowered to do their best work. By investing in our employees while remaining committed to fiscal responsibility, we strengthen our classrooms, support our educators, and ultimately enhance the educational experience of every student.”
We are confident that Mr. Amado’s extensive human resources and labor relations experience, collaborative approach, and demonstrated commitment to public service will be tremendous assets to Fairfield Public Schools. His leadership will play an important role in supporting our employees, strengthening our organization, and advancing the district’s mission of providing an exceptional educational experience for every student.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Mr. Amado.
