Maria Pacheco, a San Diego gem, has been dazzling the world of Human Resources for over 25 years, transforming workplaces one policy at a time. Currently serving as the Senior Departmental Human Resources Officer at the County of San Diego, she is the unofficial queen of HR—a title she wears with both grace and a hint of mischief. Maria’s expertise spans across unionized and non-union settings in multiple states; her ability to start an HR department from scratch could make even the most seasoned HR professionals weep with envy.

Known for her keen investigative skills, she tackles employee complaints like a seasoned detective on a mission. Whether it’s handling ULPs or DOL inquiries, Maria dives into challenges headfirst, armed with policies and procedures that would make any compliance officer swoon. Training supervisors? Check! Hiring top-notch talent? Double check! Her charm doesn’t just lie in her skills; it’s also in how she engages those around her—transforming mundane meetings into enlightening experiences.

An alumnus of the prestigious University of San Diego with a BBA in Business Administration, Maria has always had an eye for strategic thinking and innovation. When not meticulously crafting employee relations strategies or coordinating worker"s compensation claims like they’re pieces on a chessboard, you can find her advocating for workplace harmony—or perhaps just enjoying a sunny day at one of San Diego’s stunning beaches. With Maria at the helm of HR operations, you can be sure that every workplace is not only compliant but also thriving under her watchful eye and brilliant mind.