Administration/Clerical, Business Partners, Communications & Media, Employee Services, Records Management, Safety Loss Control
Labor Relations Systems and Processes, Classification & Compensation, HR Business Systems, HR Project & Process Management, HR Reporting & Analytics
Sit Down with the Assistant Director Shondi Miller
Her leadership style is sharp, her track record is impressive, and her perspective is refreshingly authentic. In this exclusive sit-down, Assistant Director Shondi Miller answers a few off-thecuff questions that showcase her wit, her world, and the personality traits that make her a force both in and out of the office. Get ready for a fun, insightful peek behind the title.
WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND?
I began my career with the County in 2006 as a Principal Analyst in HR, tasked with developing and implementing the County’s Educational Support and Internship Programs. Before joining the County, I held a variety of HR roles—including Benefits, Employee Relations, HRIS, Workers’ Compensation, Recruiting, and Training and Development—and also worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Trainer, and Program Specialist. In higher education, I served as an Academic Counselor for community colleges. My public service journey began my senior year of high school and continued through college, when I worked for the Social Security Appeals Court under the Federal Government’s stay-in-school program for low-income students. Throughout my career, the common thread has been human behavior and a focus on employee, leadership, and organizational development. I enjoy helping people find careers that they love that tap into their strengths, and showing leaders how they can shape workplaces where everyone wants to be, contribute, and stay.
WHAT IS ONE KEY PRIORITY YOU ARE FOCUSED ON COMING INTO FALL AND WHY?
Aside from being excited about rolling out and implementing HR’s new strategic plan, one of my other key priorities right now is developing the new RivCoWAY leadership programs. I am currently redesigning the County’s executive program, with the goal of launching it in Spring 2026, followed by additional programs. These new offerings will be closely aligned with RivCoONE and the County’s
customer-centered approach, shifting the focus from programs to people.
To transform and improve how we serve our customers and residents, leaders at all levels must clearly understand their role in shaping culture and demonstrating the behaviors that sustain change. The redesigned executive program will explore topics such as respecting every individual, leading with humility, fostering psychological safety, practicing humble inquiry and coaching, embracing a continuous improvement mindset, applying systems thinking, achieving enterprise alignment, and using scientific thinking to address root causes.
A unique and exciting aspect of the new program is that County executives themselves will lead the courses, sharing real-world experiences and insights that bring these concepts to life.
WHAT IS ONE LEADERSHIP LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED THIS YEAR?
One leadership lesson that I did not learn this year, but it continues to get proven time and time again is that culture will eat strategy for breakfast. Lasting change happens when you invest as much in shaping culture as you do in strategy. You can put all the right systems (processes) and tools in place, but without the ideal behaviors, they will not sustain. Empowering people, listening with humility, and creating psychological safety are not “soft skills”— they’re the foundation that makes transformation possible.
Sit Down with the Assistant Director
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE LEARNED RECENTLY FROM AN EMPLOYEE CONVERSATION?
Every conversation I have with an employee or manager teaches me something new. These interactions continually reinforce my belief that we have incredible people in HR—individuals who are intelligent, professional, hardworking, fun, and deeply committed to both the work we do and the purpose behind it.
WHAT BOOK, PODCAST, OR SHOW ARE YOU CURRENTLY ENJOYING?
Through my work with RivCoONE, the development of RivCoWAY leadership programs, and the integration of lean practices, much of my recent readings and learning is drawn from the Shingo Institute. The Institute equips leaders to understand their critical role in shaping a culture of operational and organizational excellence, and helps managers align systems to promote ideal, principle-driven behaviors. Rooted in Lean principles, the emphasis is on cultivating the behaviors that make lasting change possible.
Aside from work related topics, I love true crime shows, Yellowstone (patiently waiting for all the spin-offs), rewatching all the Survivor seasons, and when I need to shut off my brain… whispering… all the 90 Day Fiancé shows. LOL!
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I have a daughter, Teagan, that turned 20 in August and a son, Wyatt, who turned 22 in July. They are my world!! And though they grew up in the same house with me, they are opposites (maybe it was the variety of music I played… LOL… see below). Teagan is my country girl and is going to school to teach. Her goal is to open an in-home pre-school to teach kids about the outdoors, how to grow food, take care of animals, build things and work with their hands, etc. Wyatt raced motocross and once he got hurt, he turned to a camera when he was 15. Since then, he has been doing photography and directing, shooting, and editing music videos for rap artists…all self-taught.
Another fact people may not know… I have a vinyl record collection with about 400 records. Many are all original classic rock from the 60s and 70s (Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Beatles, the Eagles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Seger, etc.) with some of my other favorites (the Cure, Depeche Mode, Bob Marley, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Guns n Roses, Cypress Hill, Ice Cube, Chris Stapleton, Kings of Leon, etc.). All over the board!
Lastly, though I am an ENFJ, I have many introvert tendencies and tend to be shy if I don’t know you. I’ve learned that this can get interpreted many different ways, and this is an area I continue to work on. Please know, I love visitors and even if I don’t know you, come by and say HI! Would love to get to know you!
WHAT’S A HABIT OR ROUTINE THAT HELPS YOU START YOUR DAY RIGHT?
COFFEE, COFFEE, COFFEE… OR CELCIUS. Anything that will give me energy. LOL!
HIRES & TRANSITIONS
DIVISION HIGHLIGHT
The Pre-Employment & Backgrounds Unit plays a key role in bringing the right talent on board. From verifying qualifications to conducting detailed background checks, they make sure every hire starts on the right foot. Learn more about how their work not only streamlines the hiring process but also builds a strong foundation for a skilled and dependable workforce.
WHAT ROLE DOES THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT AND BACKGROUNDS UNIT PLAY IN HR’S SUCCESS?
• Our Pre-employment and Backgrounds Unit plays a pivotal role in the County’s hiring process, ensuring that every new hire has a seamless transition into their role. We manage both the pre-boarding and onboarding stages for candidates who have accepted job offers across the County’s diverse departments.
• From conducting background checks with live scans to coordinating pre-employment physicals with our Occupational Health unit, we make sure that all necessary steps are completed before a new employee officially joins their team. We also provide all required documentation to ensure that each new hire is processed and ready to start their journey within the County.
• On any given day, our unit handles between 800 to 1,000 pre-employment transactions, and during peak times, such as election season, this number can double! In addition to onboarding, we are also responsible for processing bilingual pay requests. Once we validate a candidate’s bilingual certification, we ensure they are compensated accordingly.
• Our impact reaches beyond just paperwork; we are the foundation upon which our new employees build their success. By efficiently and effectively managing these critical processes, we help set up new hires for long-term success, supporting the broader goals of the HR department and ensuring the continued success of the County of Riverside. We are committed to excellence, efficiency, and providing the best possible start for every employee. At the Pre-employment and Backgrounds Unit, we are not just processing new hires—we are paving the way for the future of the County.
• A day at work in the Pre-employment and Backgrounds Unit is fast-paced, dynamic, and essential to the County of Riverside’s hiring process. As soon as we start the day, our team is already busy handling between 800 to 1,000 pre-employment transactions. During peak periods, such as elections, those numbers can easily double, requiring us to be agile and efficient to keep things running smoothly.
• Our first task often involves conducting background checks for new hires, including live scans to ensure candidates meet all the necessary security and qualification standards. Simultaneously, we coordinate pre-employment physicals with our Occupational Health unit to make sure all candidates are physically ready for their roles within the County.
• Throughout the day, we are also busy preparing all the essential onboarding documents that new hires need to complete. This includes making sure that every candidate has the proper paperwork, like tax forms, direct deposit information, and any
other required documents, ready for processing. These documents are key to officially bringing new employees into their assigned departments within the County.
• In addition to managing onboarding for new hires, our team also oversees the processing of bilingual pay requests for the County. When employees successfully pass their bilingual certification tests, our team ensures that pay changes are processed quickly and accurately. This not only supports timely compensation but also reinforces fairness and consistency across departments. In the last year, our team has processes a total of 1586 bilingual requests received from all County departments.
• Despite managing a large volume of transactions, our team’s priority remains clear: delivering excellent service and ensuring each new hire transitions smoothly into their role. We take pride in knowing that our efforts extend beyond paperwork—helping employees start their careers with confidence and strengthening the future of the County of Riverside.
ANY ADVICE TO SOMEONE WANTING TO JOIN THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT AND BACKGROUNDS UNIT?
• Embrace the Fast Pace: This role requires the ability to handle a high volume of work—if you thrive in dynamic, busy environments, this is the place for you. Being able to juggle multiple tasks efficiently is key to staying on top of everything.
• Be Detail-Oriented and Accurate: Since you will be handling important tasks like live scans, background check clearances, and pre-employment physical clearances, attention to detail is critical. Accuracy in processing documents, ensuring proper documentation is completed, and coordinating various pre-employment steps is vital to ensure a smooth transition for new hires.
• Stay Organized: The variety of tasks can be overwhelming, so organization is essential. From preparing onboarding documents to handling bilingual pay requests, you’ll need to keep track of many moving parts. A strong ability to prioritize and stay organized will help you maintain efficiency and prevent important steps from being overlooked.
• Adaptability is Key: The workload can fluctuate dramatically, especially during peak times like elections. Being able to stay flexible, adjust to changing demands, and maintain focus under pressure is a major asset in this role. Your ability to stay calm and effective during these times will set you apart.
• Collaboration and Communication: You will be working closely with several other teams, including the Occupational Health unit, as well as various departments across the County. Clear communication and a team-oriented mindset are crucial for coordinating tasks and ensuring everything is on track for each new hire’s seamless transition.
• A Passion for Service: The work you do is foundational to the success of every new employee joining the County. A genuine interest in helping others and contributing to their success is at the heart of this role. Your efforts help shape the future of the County, so a sense of pride in the work you do will be important.
HUMAN RESOURCES ALL HANDS MEETING
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
VIA TEAMS
At our All Hands meeting, you will have the opportunity to:
Join from wherever you are! This All Hands meeting is virtual. Enjoy an interactive Q&A with the HR Executive Team! Celebrate key accomplishments and important survey feedback.
Stay informed on where our HR Department is going and how you can contribute!
ONE TEAM ONE MISSION 9
HR STRATEGIC PLAN UPDATE
We are pleased to share an update on the Department’s Strategic Plan efforts.
The need for a Strategic Plan was identified by all of you as a key request from me as your Director, and from your Executive Team. It will serve as a guiding resource to help everyone understand where to focus their energy and how we want to work together to serve our customers. Put simply, our Strategic Plan is not just a document to check off the list, and place on a shelf. It is a living guide that shapes our priorities, informs our decisions, and guides how we collaborate and work together every day.
This plan is grounded in the feedback you have shared - highlighting what is most critical to support your dayto-day work and how we serve our customers.
In July, 2025, the HR Executive Team successfully presented the HR Strategic Framework to Assistant CEO Sarah Franco. With Assistant CEO support in concept, we finalized our Department’s HR Goals and are continuing the path forward. On August 18, 2025, HR Managers were introduced to the Strategic Plan and assigned action items to help drive implementation. In the coming days, staff will begin participating in the broader Strategic Plan process, ensuring your voices and expertise continue to guide the path forward.
We are excited to share a high-level overview of the HR Strategic Plan Goals at the September All-Hands meeting so you can see how it is coming together and the focus of the plan. Here’s a closer look at the three pillars / goals that are the foundation of our Strategic Plan framework. These are the primary areas we will focus our energy, and within each framework there will be individual initiatives or areas of focus that fold into the overall plan.
As you can see, the HR Strategic Plan pillars focus on investing in each of you and in our department, aiming to enhance both everyone’s worklife and the way we operate internally. This Strategic Plan is designed to help us grow as a team while strengthening the support we provide to our customers.
This fall, you will receive an invitation to a collaborative “Strategic Plan Listening Session,” where you will have the opportunity to help refine the Strategic Plan framework and initiatives, ensuring the plan is free from operational blind spots, and that it resonates with each of you - those closest to the work.
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership.
UPCOMING TRAININGS
Don’t miss your chance to learn, grow, and connect through our upcoming trainings. These sessions are crafted to give you actionable takeaways and fresh perspectives. Click below to see what’s ahead and register now.
9.4.2025 – Supervisor Learning Journey (Virtual)
The Supervisory Learning Journey, offered by the County of Riverside, equips supervisors with essential leadership skills to guide teams effectively. This program fosters growth, communication, and collaboration for lasting workplace success.
Build your leadership skills with the County of Riverside’s Supervisory Learning Journey. Learn to lead, communicate, and inspire your team. Click to explore and register.
9.24.2025 – Writing Advantage
Effective writing is a vital part of doing business and poorly written communication may get lost in today’s information clutter. This workshop helps you set quality writing standards that increase productivity and increase credibility. Write sharp and work smart with Writing Advantage!
All employees and their household members will have access to Anthem EAP services
Anthem EAP offers increased access to provider locations near you.
Whether you’re struggling to find child care, plan for retirement, financial or legal assistance, or cope with addiction, Anthem EAP can help.
24/7, 365 days a year - Unlimited access to telephonic guidance, consultation, referral and support services.
Up to 6 counseling sessions face-to-face, by phone, or virtually via LiveHealth Online, per incident - at no cost to you.
the support you need at (833) 954-1067 Access EAP online at AnthemEAP.com and enter PRISM
All employees and dependents 13+ will have access to Talkspace resources. Talkspace is message-based therapy conducted through a proprietary app. Message a dedicated therapist, as often as you wish, anytime, 5 days a week with same-day response.
■ Convenient, Stigma Free, No Appointments
■ Quick Match with your Licensed Therapist, 1:1 Relationship
■ Start Same Day, Anytime, Anywhere
■ Text, Audio, Video Messages
■ Unlimited Messaging Therapy,
INTERN MONTH HIGHLIGHTS
This July, we celebrated National Internship Month. We want to take a moment to recognize and thank our amazing interns for their hard work, fresh perspectives, and eagerness to learn. The County of Riverside is proud to be a part of your professional journey and cannot wait to see what you do next! Take a look at a few testimonies from some amazing interns.
DOUGLAS ORDOÑEZ JR., Principal Mgmt. Analyst
My internship with the Executive Office was the starting point of my career and continues to shape the work I do today. I came in as a blank canvas and immersed myself in the world of county government. Through hands-on experience, l gained a foundation in budgeting, policy development, project management, legislation, and the political dynamics that drive decision-making at the county level. What began as an internship transitioned into a full-time role, and I’ve continued to build on that foundation. That early exposure gave me the tools, relationships, and perspective that helped me grow into my current role as an Analyst.
PRESTON CARR, Real Property Agent III
I was invited to be an intern in the Spring of 2023. I had been accepted into a graduate real estate program at Chapman University and was awaiting to receive the educational experience needed to enter the commercial real estate field. At the time, I was working as a residential real estate agent and staffing recruiter. The internship in real estate here, gave me my introduction to a new world of real estate that I was very keen to. After 4 months as an intern, I interviewed, and by the grace of God was promoted to a full time Real Property Agent (RPA). After about 8 months and building connections in the field during my time in the graduate program, l transitioned to the private sector as a transaction specialist for the largest commercial real estate brokerage globally. It was quite the experience representing premier clients in their real estate transactions but was called back to the County to return to the Real Property Agent series as a 2. I was promoted a few months later to an RPA3 and have found my stride representing our County’s departments from a real estate perspective. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the constituents of the County, internal departments, and my colleagues, and I am eager to continue the relationships moving forward.
SUMMER BASH
The Hire to Rehire team’s Summer Bash was a hit! The sun was shining, the vibes were high, and the laughter was nonstop. We celebrated our amazing team with delicious food, cool treats, games, and music. It was the perfect day to relax, reconnect, & recharge — a bash to remember!
SLJ GRADUATION
We celebrate the latest graduates of the County of Riverside’s Supervisory Learning Journey! These dedicated leaders have completed an intensive program to strengthen their skills and inspire their teams. Celebrate their achievement and browse photos — click here to see more.
BRANDING EFFORTS
Our recent apparel distribution was a hit! From polos and jackets to hats and more, employees proudly sported items featuring our HR Department Brand, showcasing a unified, professional image across all departments. We were also honored to have our County CEO, Jeff Van Wagenen (@rivcojvw) represent—check him out rocking a cool HR-branded hat! These efforts not only strengthened our visual identity but also reinforced our commitment to working together as one HR. Keep an eye out—the next ordering window will be opening Fall/Winter 2025! The HR Communications Team hopes to add new items to the list of offerings to give you plenty of variety to choose from.
HR BAKE SALE
From homemade cookies to decadent cupcakes, our HR Bake Sale Fundraisers were a delicious hit! Staff came together with their best recipes and biggest smiles, raising funds and filling the air with the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked treats. Check out the photos below for a recap of the fun, the flavors, and the heart behind every bite.
EL TORITO FUNDRAISER
This May, our HR team came together for a flavorful fundraiser at El Torito—and every bite made a difference! With 20% of all food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases donated back to the HR Employee Association, the evening was filled with great meals, laughter, and community spirit. All proceeds will go toward funding our much-anticipated HR end-of-year holiday party. Check out the photos below for a recap of this fun and tasty event!
The County of Riverside HR team proudly celebrated our Spring 2025 and overall 2024–2025 Employee Recognition Program winners this July! These exceptional employees now move on to compete in the county-wide program, with winners honored at a Board of Supervisors meeting this fall. Nominations for the next award cycle open November 2025 — let’s keep celebrating our HR stars!
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
Spring 2025 Employee Recognition Program Winners
Innovation Category
Johanne Michel
Human Resources Division Manager
Employee Services
Stellar Customer Service Category
Kyle Kuzminski
Human Resources Analyst II
Learning & Organizational Development
Lean Improvements
Chadley Butler
Human Resources Technician II
Learning & Organizational Development
Essence of Leadership
Julia Luna
Assistant Director of Human Resources Executive Team
Exceptional Results through Teamwork
Overpayment Issues Workgroup
Nicole Minnis, Stephen Hill, Jonathan Jensen, Julia Luna, Colleen Pardy, Jessica Urban, Johanne Michel, Cynthia Munoz, Carly Obenberger, Clorissa Cacho, Beatris Ordaz, Letitia Graves
Overall HR Department
2024 – 2025 winners!
Innovation Category
Brian Thomas
Media Production Specialist - CN Communications
Stellar Customer Service Category
Kim Darby
Human Resources Analyst III
Pre-Employment & Backgrounds
Lean Improvements
Maha Hammoud
Human Resources Analyst III Class & Compensation
Essence of Leadership
Julia Luna
Assistant Director of Human Resources Executive Team
Exceptional Results through Teamwork Overpayment Issues Workgroup
Nicole Minnis, Stephen Hill, Jonathan Jensen, Julia Luna, Colleen Pardy, Jessica Urban, Johanne Michel, Cynthia Munoz, Carly Obenberger, Clorissa Cacho, Beatris Ordaz, Letitia Graves
Your employee discounts just got a whole lot better! Visit rivco.funex.com or access the portal through RivCoGo!
Active and Fit Direct is one of the many benefits offered to Riverside County employees and can be accessed through one of our discount providers, FunEx. Active and Fit Direct allows you to access over 12,000 gyms nationwide for just $28 a month.
Join fellow County of Riverside employees for various Angels games and enjoy discounted tickets! Seats are first-come, first-serve and are offered in numerous sections within the ballpark. Offer is only valid online and is subject to availability. This offer may not be combined with any other discounts or promotions.
To purchase, please visit: fevo-enterprise.com/group/CountyofRiverside25
HR SURVEY
Happy with Our Voices? Let us know how you feel. Fill out a survey to help us improve, it will only take five minutes, we promise. Your input will be used to ensure that we continue to meet your needs.
