Napa County Human Resources Director Takes Position In Palo Alto

News from the County of Napa:

Napa County Human Resources Director Suzanne Mason was named Thursday as Palo Alto’s Assistant City Manager.

She is expected to begin May 5. In her new position, Mason will provide daily operational oversight of city services and departments to meet community needs and goals.

“Napa County is one of the best run public agencies in California,” Mason said. “I have enjoyed working with the Board of Supervisors and appointed leadership over the past five years in recruiting and retaining an outstanding workforce to serve the community. Counties serve a critical role in supporting those most in need in our communities with health, social and criminal justice services. I will miss my work here but am very excited about this next chapter in my career.”

Since 2009, Mason has overseen the human resources operations for Napa County’s 1,400 employees including labor relations, personnel, recruitment and hiring, benefits management, pension and health care reform, as well as the successful negotiation of eight labor agreements with employee unions.

“Suzanne has more than 30 years of experience in local government operations, and her expertise will be missed greatly,” said County Executive Officer Nancy Watt. “We wish her well in this new opportunity.”

A search and recruitment process will begin to fill the position, which is appointed by Watt.

Mason has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Photo courtesy of the City of Palo Alto