WOODLAND, CA (MPG) - Yolo County announced the appointment Aug. 29 of Kamaljit Pannu as its new director of human resources. In this pivotal role, Pannu will manage centralized human resources, risk management, and payroll operations, while championing employee engagement and retention strategies. As director, Pannu will also be instrumental in organizational development and supporting the county’s public servants in meeting the objectives of the Board of Supervisors’ new 2024-2028 Strategic Plan.

Yolo County Board of Supervisors Chair Lucas Frerichs expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “The essential role of the human resources function cannot be underestimated. Kamaljit’s appointment follows a nationwide search with over 60 applicants and we are confident that his broad range of expertise will make a significant and positive impact in our county’s human resources operations.”

Chief Administrative Officer Gerardo Pinedo added, “We are thrilled to welcome Kamaljit Pannu to Yolo County. His extensive experience and proven success in human resources will be pivotal in advancing our mission to enhance the quality of life for all Yolo County residents. Kamaljit’s leadership will be key in supporting and developing our dedicated public servants.”

With more than 25 years of experience in the public sector, Pannu brings extensive expertise to Yolo County. His distinguished career includes leading human resources for the Washington Unified School District in Yolo County, along with various other leadership roles in education. Throughout his career, Pannu has achieved notable success in strategic human resources initiatives, managing collective bargaining agreements and advancing workforce development programs.

A first-generation American who grew up in the Central Valley and worked as an agricultural worker, Pannu’s background fuels his passion for giving back to Yolo County’s diverse community. He is particularly enthusiastic about empowering Yolo County’s 16 departments to achieve the objectives outlined in the Board of Supervisors new Strategic Plan. Pannu’s leadership will ensure that Yolo County’s more than 1,800 public servants receive the support they need to effectively contribute toward the community’s quality of life.

Pannu’s impressive track record includes successfully negotiating multi-year collective bargaining agreements, spearheading strategic planning initiatives, and introducing innovative human resources practices. His deep expertise in leveraging technology, ensuring legal compliance and promoting equitable resource allocation will be instrumental in advancing Yolo County’s human resources objectives.

“I am deeply grateful to the Yolo County Board of Supervisors for this opportunity,” Pannu said. “I look forward to supporting my colleagues and contributing to our shared mission of making a difference by enhancing the quality of life in our community.”

Yolo County’s Human Resources Department is comprised of a dedicated team committed to delivering exceptional service. This commitment reflects Yolo County’s dedication to nurturing a healthy and productive workplace for all its employee, according to the news release.