HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.08.25 Board Correspondence - FW_ Happy Public Service Recognition Week! Meet Rachel Novetzke, Assistant Human Resources Director, San Joaquin County.ATTENTION: This message originated from outside Butte County. Please exercise judgment before opening
attachments, clicking on links, or replying..
From:Clerk of the Board
To:Clerk of the Board; Connelly, Bill; Cook, Holly; Cook, Robin; Durfee, Peter; Jessee, Meegan; Kimmelshue, Tod;
Kitts, Melissa; Lee, Lewis; Little, Melissa; Pickett, Andy; Ritter, Tami; Stephens, Brad J.; Sweeney, Kathleen;
Teeter, Doug; Zepeda, Elizabeth
Subject:Board Correspondence - FW: Happy Public Service Recognition Week! Meet Rachel Novetzke, Assistant Human
Resources Director, San Joaquin County
Date:Thursday, May 8, 2025 4:47:53 PM
Please see Board Correspondence -
From: CSAC Institute <csac@csacinstitute.ccsend.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 8, 2025 9:33 AM
To: Clerk of the Board <clerkoftheboard@buttecounty.net>
Subject: Happy Public Service Recognition Week! Meet Rachel Novetzke, Assistant Human Resources
Director, San Joaquin County
Public Service Recognition Week Featuring Rachel Novetzke, San Joaquin County
Happy Public Service Recognition Week to all county staff. Your
contributions are valued as you provide vital services that help
our communities thrive. Today, we celebrate Rachel, a
remarkable leader who believes that working in public service is
the most rewarding choice.
Rachel Novetzke
Assistant Human Resources Director,
San Joaquin County
How do you explain to others what you do?
Honestly? I tell people I am a Jack of all trades and wear many
hats! I know in public service, many people find it hard for HR to
be viewed as a “strategic partner” (my son once told me that HR
sounds like going to the Principal’s Office), but that is how I see
my role. I don’t feel like I am doing my job if our customer
departments can’t partner with HR to meet the overall needs of
the organization. I often see our role to be the link that brings
ideas together. We balance policy with our customer
departments’ mission because, at the end of the day, our goal is
to help them be successful in providing the necessary resources to
the employees and the community.
What drew you to public service?
I’ve always been drawn to public service. My mother worked in
public service for over 20 years and so I grew up seeing that as a
career option. Not many people realize just how many career
paths exist in the public sector. You can be an engineer, a health
care professional, law enforcement, biologist, accountant, and the
list goes on! Now I make it my job to educate the community on
all we have to offer. There is also something about knowing you
are providing services that help people in the community. You
always hear that it takes a certain person to work in public service
and I believe that. It can be the most rewarding career if you take
to heart the mission of your organization. For San Joaquin County,
we say, “Greatness Grows Here”. Human Resources works very
closely with both our County Departments and members of the
public, so I strive to live up to that statement every day.
What’s the best piece of advice that you've ever received?
“Get rid of the lists. You cannot be a successful leader with lists.
Instead, focus on being the coach or mentor to your staff so that
you are not always the answer.” I heard this during a panel
discussion at the CCHR/CSAC - HR Directors Institute. It really hit
home with me because I have always been a list maker and
resource to my staff. Anyone in leadership can say that you can
plan to start your day one way and end it in a completely different
way. You can have the best intentions with lists, but it can
sometimes have the opposite effect and make you focus on minor
things that don’t really require your attention, which can lead to
feeling overwhelmed. It does not do your team any good to
constantly appear overwhelmed.
My version of the definition “resource” also needed to pivot, and I
had to re-learn what it really means to be a mentor to staff.
Before, I thought being a resource meant rolling up your sleeves
and getting into the weeds of an issue or, in many instances, just
providing the answer. I quickly learned that was not effective and
was not doing anything to help my team learn and problem solve
issues on their own. It also didn’t give me an opportunity to see
what great resolutions they come up with! Focusing on being a
mentor and a true resource to staff is not only crucial for the
succession growth of the team but allows me the time to really
focus on the organization’s big picture issues. Don’t get me
wrong, there are still plenty of times a leader needs to roll up
their sleeves and tackle something. Just make sure it is something
that requires your attention and involvement. Show your team
that you trust them and that you value everyone’s time.
Three A’s: What’s your favorite Artist, Attraction, and
Appetizer?
Artist: My mom. She paints and does all sorts of arts & crafts. I
have several of her paintings hanging in my office and at
home. Attraction: Point Lobos Natural Reserve. No matter how
many times I visit, it always takes my breath away. Appetizer:
Literally anything that involves cheese!
-----------
Visit us at csacinstitute.counties.org
Connect with us
CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government | 1100 K Street Suite 101 |
Sacramento, CA 95814 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact