How do you explain to others outside government what you do?
As the Human Relations Director for the County, I lead the human resources functions that support our workforce across all departments. This includes overseeing recruitment and staffing, employee and labor relations, personnel operations and benefits administration, training and organizational development, compliance with employment laws and policies, and risk and safety management. I work closely with county leadership and department heads to ensure we attract, retain, and support a diverse, skilled, and mission-driven workforce. My goal is to create an inclusive, respectful, and effective work environment that enables employees to deliver high-quality public services to our community.
What does public service mean to you?
Public service, to me, is a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through the work we do every day. As a County HR Director, I see my role as supporting the people who deliver vital services to our communities—whether in public safety, health, infrastructure, general operations or social programs. I strive to create a fair, supportive, and effective workplace that empowers employees to serve with integrity and purpose.
What’s the best piece of advice that you have ever received?
Two of the best pieces of advice I have received is “go slow to go fast” and “trust your gut.”
Often, we find ourselves facing a lot of pressure to get things done at a very fast pace. However, many times that comes with a cost. A cost of errors, rework, burnout, and potential detrimental impacts. On the other hand, we don’t always have the luxury to take our time to carefully plan and prepare at the beginning. But striking a balance to be mindful with our planning, thinking things through, and anticipating impacts will help build a stronger foundation at the beginning and will help move your work, project, presentation, etc. more efficiently and effectively in the long run.
In addition, we always face perplex situations and/or decisions where we may need to trust our gut or intuition. Reflecting on learning lessons from the past, taking into consideration the factors at hand, leaning into resources and peers for perspective and advice, we will face times where we simply need to just trust our gut, and believe your internal sense.
How has both the HR and Executive Credential programs assisted you in your career pathway?
I’m grateful for the opportunity to complete both the HR Credential and Executive Credential programs through CSAC. These programs provided high-quality, executive-level training specifically tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of county government. The courses were not only relevant to today’s evolving workplace, but also offered meaningful insights into leadership, strategy, and public service.
I’m especially proud to have been part of the inaugural HR Executive Credential program. In addition to exploring key themes like Executive Presence, Strategic HR Leadership, Public Service, and Self-Care, I also gained a valuable network of peers and colleagues from across the state—connections that continue to support and inspire my work in public service.