New Santa Monica HR Director Hired for $216,000

"Gentles comes to Santa Monica with over 20 years of experience in strategic organizational transformation and employee empowerment, whatever that is, said the City in an effusive press release.

Since 2016, she has been the Human Resources Director for the County of Santa Barbara. There, she delivered comprehensive HR services to 23 county departments.

"In her new role as Santa Monica's Chief People Officer, Gentles will engage the City's diverse workforce and help shape an energized team equipped to deliver 21st Century government services. With a collaborative and imaginative approach, Gentles will serve a catalytic role in promoting a culture that delivers the highest level of customer service and job performance. Through a lens of equity, inclusion and ethical leadership, she will guide the HR Department to serve the City's 14 departments, negotiate and administer agreements with the City's various labor associations and serve as Secretary to the City's Personnel Board." said the press release, which included even more uses of sustainability, community and diversity.

Lori Gentles will join the Santa Monica team on December 28, 2018 with an annual salary of $216,264. Donna Peter, who has served as Santa Monica's HR Director for 10 years will retire on September 21, 2018 and Rick Cole has appointed Christina Winting, Santa Monica's Human Resources Manager, to serve as Interim HR Director until Gentles assumes her post.