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TUSD welcomes new Director of Human Resources
TUSD
Fernando Ureno became the new Director of Human Resources for the Turlock Unified School District on July 1. - photo by Photo Contributed

The Turlock Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a recommendation for the position of Director of Human Resources at a special meeting on June 29, selecting Fernando Ureno for the job.

The hiring comes following the retirement of the District’s previous Director of Human Resources, Rod Hollars, who served as director for one year. Superintendent Dana Trevethan said that it was Ureno’s extensive background in human resources and his client-service focus that made him stand out from the pool of over 20 candidates who applied for the job.

Ureno has a background rich in human resources experience, serving previously with both Ceres Unified and Livingston Unified school districts. He spent four years working for CUSD as the Director of Personnel and six years with LUSD as Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.

“There’s never a dull moment,” said Ureno, speaking of his time spent working in human resources. “There’s always something taking place and new challenges that come up on a daily basis.”

The upcoming school year will mark Ureno’s 26th year in education. Over the years he has also served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal within LUSD. Although he spent 21 years working in Livingston, Ureno believes his time spent in Ceres has best prepared him for his new position in Turlock.

“Working in a large district like Ceres has prepared me to work in Turlock’s district,” said Ureno. “As far as demographics, the two districts are very similar.”

Ureno, who lives in Turlock, made the decision to apply for the position within TUSD based on a desire to return and work in his own community. He hopes that his ability to work with people – something he believes is a strong trait within TUSD – will follow him to his new position, as well as his open, collaborative nature in relationships.

“I felt like it was time to get into my own community and have an impact here,” said Ureno. “It’s a good community and a good Valley town.”

As Director of Human Resources, Ureno’s main responsibilities will include supporting the Office of Human Resources, particularly in the area of classified staffing. Ureno’s first contractual day was July 1.