Veteran Employee Tapped To Lead SMC Human Resources

REDWOOD CITY, CA — An 18-year San Mateo County employee has been selected to lead the county's Human Resources Department, overseeing recruiting, employee development and workforce strategy for more than 6,000 employees.

County Executive Mike Callagy appointed Michelle Kuka, who has served as interim director since January. Her appointment will go before the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for confirmation on Tuesday, as required under the county charter.

"Every service we provide depends on talented and committed employees," said Mike Callagy, San Mateo County executive. "Michelle knows what it takes to recruit and retain a strong public workforce. She's helped shape the department for years, and she understands both what employees need to succeed and what residents expect from County government."

Kuka joined the county's Human Resources Department 18 years ago after working for a nonprofit serving vulnerable youth and their families. She later became deputy director, overseeing employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, equal employment opportunity and policy development before stepping into the interim director role earlier this year.

As director, Kuka will lead a department of about 78 employees with an annual budget of more than $26 million. The department is responsible for recruiting and hiring, labor relations, employee benefits, workforce development, organizational training, risk management and compensation.

County officials said Kuka will focus on strengthening recruitment and retention efforts, expanding career development opportunities and modernizing Human Resources practices.

Kuka, who grew up in San Mateo County and still lives in the area, earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.