Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Confirmation of Michelle Kuka as Director of Human Resources
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to confirm appointment of Michelle Kuka as Director of Human Resources.
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BACKGROUND:
The County has conducted an extensive executive search for the position of Director of Human Resources. After this process, I have concluded that Michelle Kuka is the best candidate for this position, based on her extensive progressive leadership experience in human resources across public and nonprofit sectors.
Ms. Kuka started her County career 18 years ago in the Human Resources Department, where she promoted through the ranks to become Deputy Director of Human Resources, managing a diverse range of programs including employee relations, labor relations, talent acquisition, equal employment opportunity, classification and compensation, and policy development. Further, since January 2026 Ms. Kuka has served as Interim Director of Human Resources, leading all aspects of the County’s workforce programs and initiatives. Prior to joining the County, she managed human resources operations in non-profit and social service organizations.
In addition to Ms. Kuka’s extensive executive leadership and human resources experience, she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Ms. Kuka has proven to be a strategic, collaborative, and innovative leader. She demonstrates exceptional communication, problem-solving and relationship-building skills. Ms. Kuka is well positioned to move the organization forward by developing new and innovative strategies to recruit and retain the best talent, modernizing human resources practices, and building a premier service-oriented culture that benefits the community, employees, and organization.
The Charter requires the Board of Supervisors to confirm appointments of department heads nominated by the County Executive and I therefore ask that you confirm my appointment of Ms. Kuka to serve as the Director of Human Resources.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The compensation and benefits for this position are set forth in the County’s Resolution establishing the salary and benefits for the unrepresented Management Employees of the County and the Master Salary Resolution approved by this Board.