DIRECTOR’S LETTER
Hello and welcome to the latest bloom of opportunities here at Riverside County! As your HR Director, I am absolutely thrilled to connect with you in this vibrant spring season. Just as the landscape around us awakens with fresh possibilities, so too does our commitment to fostering a thriving and engaging workplace for each and every one of you.
This edition is packed with news, resources, and stories to help you thrive and connect within our dedicated Riverside County community. We will spotlight exciting initiatives, celebrate achievements, and offer insights for continued growth and contribution to our vital work.
Think of this magazine as your personal guide to the blossoming opportunities within our organization. Whether you are seeking professional development resources, updates on employee programs, or simply looking to learn more about the incredible people you work alongside, you will find something inspiring within these pages.
Wishing you a season filled with growth, connection, and the vibrant energy of spring!
Happy reading!
Oversee all HR Operations Budgets, GSS/ISF Rates Finance / Procurement
Benefits/Retirement, Culture of Health & Commuter Svcs, Law Enforcement Assessment, Learning & Org Development, Occupational Health, Pre Employment/Backgrounds, RUHS Compliance / RUHS MAP, Recruitment Operations, TAP
Disability Access & Leave Mgt., IDR, Employee Relations, Exclusive Care, Risk Management, Workers’ Compensation
Administration/Clerical, Business Partners, Communications & Media, Employee Services, Records Management, Safety
Labor Relations Systems and Processes, Classification & Compensation, HR Business Systems, HR Project & Process Management, HR Reporting & Analytics
Our landscape is evolving with the welcome addition of numerous talented individuals. HR is delighted to report the successful onboarding of new hires across all divisions, poised to contribute meaningfully to our collective success. These metrics represent the continuous evolution of our team, shaping HR culture and driving our success.
3. What advice would you provide someone wanting to join your team?
Be detail-oriented, proactive, and willing to dive deep into financial data. A strong understanding of financial systems, accounting principles, and HR processes will be invaluable. Familiarity with accounts payable, receivable, and procurement management is also helpful, as HR Finance intersects with various financial operations.
Since we work closely with multiple departments, strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential. Policies, funding rules, and priorities change frequently, so adaptability is key. Being able to balance accuracy with efficiency while working under tight deadlines will set you up for success in this fast-paced environment.
4. If you and your team had a theme song, what would it be and why?
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Finance can be intense, and every day brings new challenges that require focus, resilience, and teamwork.
Whether it’s closing payroll wires on time, resolving a contract funding issue, or ensuring accurate benefits payments, we tackle each challenge with determination and precision. Just like a competitor in the ring.
5. Can you share any funny stories about your team or perhaps any team rituals/jokes?
One ongoing joke in our team is the “Payroll Panic” moment, when someone glances at the calendar and suddenly realizes payroll wire deadlines are closer than they thought. It’s usually followed by a quick double-check (and a sigh of relief that everything is already on track).
Another common laugh comes from our ongoing “accounts payable vs. accounts receivable” debates. Where team members jokingly claim their area is more complicated (or under-appreciated) than the other. And, of course, we have a tradition of celebrating major milestones, like completing audits or finalizing yearend financials. We do this with sweet treats or team lunches. Because nothing says “we survived another financial cycle” like cake!
SWEET SUCCESS
SEE’S CANDY HR FUNDRAISER
Our Valentine’s Day fundraiser was a resounding success, thanks to a fantastic turnout! Attendees enjoyed delicious treats and a wonderful atmosphere, truly capturing the spirit of the day while supporting a great cause.
We’re thrilled that the generosity shown helped raise valuable funds for our Human Resources Department Employee Association Fund. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who participated and contributed – your support is invaluable!
Building on this positive energy, we’re already planning our next event. Stay tuned for more details on future fundraising fun!
NEW EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS
Exciting news! HR has expanded its employee discount program to include even more sports events for Riverside County employees. We are thrilled to announce new partnerships with the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings!
Although the current seasons are wrapping up, keep an eye out for discounted tickets next season. In the meantime, take advantage of special pricing on Los Angeles Angels tickets as their season kicks off! Click here to check out all available discounts.
Strawberry Shortcake Cups
A layered dessert that’s just as sweet as a successful collaboration. HR Comms Team has officially approved this sweet little getaway—no forms, no emails, just layers of fluffy cake, whipped cream, and juicy strawberries. Your taste buds deserve a break. Please take one… or two. We won’t tell. You earned this.
Ingredients:
• Store-bought pound cake or shortcake rounds
• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Whipped cream
• Mint leaves for garnish
Assembly:
• Cube the pound cake like you’re formatting an Excel cell.
• Layer cake, whipped cream, and strawberries in a cup.
• Repeat for a second layer.
• Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a mint leaf.
What is Crucial Conversations?
Adiscussion between two or more people where the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong.
What Will I Learn?
Speak persuasively, not abrasively, Foster teamwork and better decision making, Build acceptance rather than resistance, Resolve individual and group disagreements
HR STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT
BUILT WITH YOU, FOR OUR FUTURE
On April 9–10, 2025, the HR Executive Team came together for dedicated strategy sessions facilitated by HRBPs Stephen Hill and Anabel Mulhern. The focus? Reviewing what we have heard from you. Through Division Manager feedback, the All-HR Survey, and ongoing conversations, we began shaping a strategic plan that reflects our department’s current needs and future direction.
We want to thank everyone who has contributed their perspectives so far. Your input has directly shaped where we’re heading. The conversations were honest, thoughtful, and full of shared interest in working better together. In our discussions about the department’s mission, values, and aspirations, four key areas emerged:
• Data Development & Automation
• Team Growth & Individual Wellness
• Strategic Succession Planning
• Responsible Advisors and Support
These areas led to the development of 32 directional concepts. Our goal is to create an HR strategic plan that is clear, actionable, and meaningful. And it’s not just about new initiatives, it is also about recognizing the organic and strategic work already underway and giving it the visibility it deserves.
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”
- Vincent van Gogh
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