By Lookout Staff

August 13, 2024 -- After a nationwide search, the City has hired Dana Brown, a personnel specialist with the City of Los Angeles, to lead the Human Resources Department, officials announced Tuesday.

Brown, who most recently served as general manager of LA's Personnel Department, will replace Lori Gentles, who held the post for five years before being terminated in February.

As director of human resources, Brown will "serve as a member of the city’s executive team and lead policy direction of the department, which oversees labor contract negotiations and administration," City officials said. The department is also in charge of "employee relations, recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, training, organizational development, succession planning and employee benefits." Brown also will serve as secretary for the Santa Monica Personnel Board.

“Leading the recruitment, hiring and retention of our workforce is a vital role in delivering high quality services to our community,” City Manager David White said in a statement.

“Dana’s leadership and experience will strengthen the great work of the department and set Santa Monica up for success in building a strong and resilient workforce.”

Brown, who has nearly four decades of public service experience, began her career in human resources at Los Angeles World Airports, City officials said.

In her recent post as general manager of LA's Personnel Department, Brown oversaw more than 600 full-time employees "engaged in recruitment, examining, hiring and training, including for employees in public safety and the Department of Water and Power."

Brown also has served as LA's chief employee relations officer, general manager of the Department of Animal Services and human resources director at the L.A. Zoo and Los Angeles Fire Department.

Brown serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Sector Human Resources Association of Southern California (PSHRA-SC), "where she engages with local agencies to learn best practices and tools to elevate the employment experience," officials said.

"I am thrilled to join the team of incredible public service professionals with the city of Santa Monica,” Brown said in a statement.

“The Human Resources Department plays a crucial role in bringing city services to life and I look forward to the teamwork and embracing working with people all across the organization.”

Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

She will join the city effective October 6, with an annual salary of $253,680.

Her predecessor, Lori Gentles, who was the City's first Black director of Human Resources, has filed a lawsuit in LA County Superior Court charging the City with discrimination and wrongful termination.

The City denies the allegations made in the lawsuit, which seeks financial compensation for damages, and has asked the Court to dismiss the case.