Longtime County leader will guide recruitment, employee development and workforce strategy for more than 6,000 County employees.
July 16, 2026

    • REDWOOD CITY — County Executive Mike Callagy has appointed Michelle Kuka as San Mateo County’s director of Human Resources, placing the longtime County leader in charge of recruiting, developing and supporting the workforce that delivers essential services to residents.

    Kuka, who has served as interim director since January, will oversee a department that supports more than 6,000 County employees working in health care, public safety, social services, housing, public works, elections and parks.

    Her appointment is scheduled to go before the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for confirmation on Tuesday, July 21.

    The County Charter requires the Board to confirm department head appointments made by the county executive.

    Callagy selected Kuka after a competitive recruitment that drew candidates from inside and outside the organization.

    “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 County’s Human Resources Department 18 years ago after working for a nonprofit organization serving vulnerable youth and their families. She took on progressively broader leadership responsibilities before becoming deputy director. Throughout her career, she managed employee and labor relations, talent acquisition, equal employment opportunity and policy development.

    As director, Kuka will focus on enhancing strategic partnerships and innovation to strengthen recruitment and retention, expanding career development opportunities and modernizing Human Resources practices.

    Kuka will oversee approximately 78 employees and an annual budget of more than $26 million. The department’s responsibilities include recruitment and hiring, employee and labor relations, classification and compensation, benefits and wellness, risk management, workforce development and organizational training.

    Kuka, who grew up in San Mateo County and looks forward to serving the community she continues to call home, holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

    Media Contact

    Marshall Wilson
    Communications and Public Information
    mwilson@smcgov.org