08/29/2006: "SJC Hires New Human Resources Manager"

Since Becky Rusnak, the former SJC Human Resource Manager unexpectedly told the Council in May that she was resigning her position, and moving off island (Past related story) , SJ County has had an open manager position in Human Resources. According to a county press release, the County has advertised the opening for "over a month", and has selected Pamela Morais as the new Human Resources Manager from over 30 other applicants.

Morais has over 20 years experience in personnel management with several large corporations, most recently with Verizon and Crown Castle International, where she served as the vice president of human resources. She moved to San Juan Island permanently in 2002 after owning a home here since 1990. Morais has most recently worked for the San Juan County Fair Board and for Island Gardens Company.

The press release states that "Upon learning of the job offer, Morais was excited and happy to have this opportunity to work in the public sector in a field as dynamic and changing as human resources. The HR Manager's job entails all issues relating to assisting the county officials in hiring and retaining the right employees for the right job. It operates in what many call the most active areas of law – labor law - with its numerous federal and state mandates for employers.

Ms. Morais earned a Bachelor or Arts degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Masters degree in Education from San Diego State University. San Juan County welcomes Ms. Morais as a county resident who chose the islands for her home, and now the county government as her employer."