City Of Reno: City Of Reno Names New Director Of Human Resources

Press release from the City of Reno:

07/22/2021 4:51 PM

The City of Reno has announced the hire of Norma Santoyo as the new Director of Human Resources. Santoyo began her employment with the City on Monday, July 19, 2021.

The Director of Human Resources plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Human Resources Department including employee benefits, employee relations, labor relations, and related operations and services. This position is also involved in the management decisions affecting collective bargaining and serves on the Management Team for the City.

Santoyo comes to the City of Reno with more than 25 years of public sector human resource management experience, most recently serving the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), where she was the Administrator of the Office of Research and Project Management. In that role, she led her team on all strategic change initiatives to respond to customer demands, improve performance and comply with internal and external standards, regulations, and laws. 

“We are very excited to add Norma to our City of Reno team,” City Manager Doug Thornley said. “Human Resources influences all personnel across our organization. Norma’s immediate objective will be to further the City’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Her more than two decades of public sector experience will be a welcome addition.”

Prior, Santoyo served as Director of Human Resources for the City of Modesto, California, Director of Human Resources & Administration for the Nevada Rural Housing Authority, and Director of Human Resources for Douglas County. 

Santoyo has also worked in various personnel and administrative roles for the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and Nevada Department of Health and Human Services.

“I’m blessed to be part of this exceptional team,” Santoyo said. “Our employees juggle so much; they must balance all the challenges at home and work everyday. They work hard to provide our community the essential services they need to care for their families. It is my job to support them while at work, to make our workplace a safe, comfortable and rewarding home away from home. I am thrilled to be here and look forward to fostering a positive and productive work environment.”

Originally from Durango, Mexico, Santoyo grew up in the Carson Valley and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno and holds her Masters of Science in Business Administration. She and her husband have two sons, love the great outdoors and enjoy spending time with family and friends.

This press release was produced by the City of Reno. The views expressed here are the author’s own.