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San Jose council unanimously confirms Aron Kojunan as director of Human Resources
Summary
The City Council confirmed Aron Kojunan to lead the Human Resources Department and Office of Employee Relations; Kojunan will begin Feb. 18 and oversee HR operations including labor negotiations for the city's bargaining units.
The San Jose City Council unanimously confirmed Aron Kojunan as director of the Human Resources Department and director of the Office of Employee Relations on Jan. 14.
City Manager Jennifer (surname not specified in the transcript) announced the appointment during the council's closed-session report, saying the confirmation was unanimous and that Kojunan will assume the role on Feb. 18, 2025. The manager told the council Kojunan will lead about 70 full‑time equivalent staff and oversee an operating budget described in the announcement as close to $144,000,000, and will serve as the city’s chief labor negotiator for 12 bargaining units.
Nut graf: The hire was presented as a staffing and labor‑relations priority for the city. Kojunan was introduced to the council and attendees as having extensive experience in human resources, employee relations and employment law in both the public and private sectors.
In the staff presentation, officials detailed Kojunan’s background in employment law, prior public‑sector HR leadership roles and experience overseeing recruiting, medical services and workplace equity programs. The manager said Kojunan began his career as a private‑sector employment law attorney in 1995, later held senior roles in the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles personnel department, and most recently served as human resources director for the City of Berkeley.
Kojunan addressed the council after the confirmation, saying, “I grew up learning English as a second language … I understand personally the importance of employment access, and I will be committed to ensuring fair, equitable employment access to all those who are seeking to join the city of San Jose.”
Ending: Council members and city staff applauded the hire. Officials also thanked interim leader Jennifer (surname not specified in the transcript) for holding multiple roles during the recruitment process. The city manager asked the public to join the council in congratulating Kojunan on his appointment.
