I am being asked to setup an HR department for our four bank holding company. I do not have any experience in this area and would appreciate some suggestions as to where to begin and how to structure such a department. Also would like to know about any schools/publications available.

I know that the Graduate School of Banking in Madison has a HR school each August. From what I can gather from HR people it is a very good school.

How many employees do you have collectively? Will the BHC control the employment processes of all of the 4 banks? You can have an HR function with as little as one part-time (shared) employee or multiple functions and people depending on what the HR department will control. I will be happy to walk you through the process. Send me a private e-mail and I will get you going.