San Mateo County names longtime insider Michelle Kuka to lead Human Resources
San Mateo County, California – For San Mateo County’s 6,000-plus employees, the next leader of Human Resources will be someone who already knows the system from the inside, and has spent nearly two decades helping shape it.
County Executive Mike Callagy has appointed Michelle Kuka as director of Human Resources, elevating the longtime County official after she served as interim director beginning in January. Her appointment is expected to go before the Board of Supervisors for confirmation on Tuesday, July 21, as required under the County Charter.
Kuka will take charge of the department responsible for recruiting, developing and supporting the workforce behind many of the County’s most visible services. Those employees work across health care, public safety, housing, social services, public works, elections and parks.
The appointment followed a competitive recruitment process that included candidates from both inside and outside County government.
“Every service we provide depends on talented and committed employees,” Callagy said.
“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 Human Resources Department 18 years ago after working for a nonprofit organization that served vulnerable young people and their families. Over time, she moved into positions with broader leadership duties and later became deputy director.
Her experience includes employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, equal employment opportunity and policy development, areas that directly affect how the County hires workers, supports them and responds to workplace needs.
As director, Kuka will oversee approximately 78 employees and an annual budget of more than $26 million. The department manages recruitment and hiring, compensation and job classifications, employee benefits and wellness, labor relations, risk management, workforce development and organizational training.
Her priorities will include strengthening recruitment and retention, expanding career development opportunities and modernizing Human Resources practices. She is also expected to place greater emphasis on strategic partnerships and innovation as the County works to attract qualified employees in a competitive labor market.
The role carries broad influence. While many residents may never interact directly with Human Resources, the department affects nearly every County service by helping determine who is hired, how employees grow in their careers and what support they receive while doing demanding public work.
Kuka grew up in San Mateo County and continues to call the area home. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
If confirmed by the Board, she will formally lead the department she has helped guide for years — now with responsibility for preparing the County workforce for the challenges ahead.
