New Human Resources Department Director Appointed by City Manager

City Manager Michael J. Beck today announced the appointment of Jennifer Curtis as the new Director for the Pasadena Human Resources Department. As the Human Resources Director, Ms. Curtis will be responsible for the administration and operation of the department, including overall city employment activities, benefits packages, safety and accident reports, workers compensation, succession planning, workforce diversity issues, labor agreements and training and skills development. She is expected to begin her duties effective November 2, 2015.

Ms. Curtis’ appointment caps a nationwide recruitment process by the City for the position and she is the third new department director recently hired by the City. Earlier this month, City Manager Beck announced his appointment of Mr. Michael Johnson as the new Director for the Pasadena Public Health Department and Mr. Matthew Hawkesworth as the Finance Department Director. The City continues its search for directors of Public Works, Human Services and Recreation and Water & Power departments.

Ms. Curtis comes from the City of Ventura, Calif., where she has been the Human Resources Director since January 2014. She previously worked as the Human Resources Manager for the City of Santa Clarita from November 2005 to January 2014 and was the Associate Director for Human Resource Services at the University of Florida from April 2002 to November 2005. She began her professional career at the university in 1993, moving into human resources management positions in 2000.

“Ms. Curtis has outstanding experience in human resources management to lead our complex operation. Her passion for the profession and her demonstrated leadership skills will help ensure we are a model organization,” City Manager Beck said.

Ms. Curtis said she is honored to have this opportunity to join the City of Pasadena. “I’m ready to get to work, to meet and serve employees throughout the city, and to build upon Pasadena’s reputation as an employer of choice,” Ms. Curtis said.

Ms. Curtis has a master’s degree in mass communications from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She also has a certification in labor relations from the California Public Employers Labor Relations Association. She is married to Matthew, and they have two sons, Colin, 14, and Blake, 12. She is an avid fan of her sons’ athletic efforts in Pony League baseball.

The maximum annual salary for the Director of the Human Resources Department is $205,000, according to information on the City’s website. Contract terms will be finalized prior to the start of her formal duties.

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