On December 9, 2025, Interim City Manager Hyun Kim appointed — and the City Council confirmed — Linnaea Jablonski as the City of Tacoma’s new Human Resources Director. Director Jablonski, an expert in labor negotiations and strategic initiatives, brings nearly two decades of public sector experience to the role.
Director Jablonski comes to the City of Tacoma from Fairfax County, Virginia, where she served as the Human Resources Director. In this role, she oversaw comprehensive Human Resources operations for Fairfax County, leading a staff of more than 90 Human Resources professionals and managing a countywide annual payroll of $1.3 billion.
The appointment marks a return to Washington state for Director Jablonski, where she built an extensive career in public service. She had previously served as the Human Resources Director for the City of Olympia, where she oversaw all Human Resources operations and successfully bargained all eight of the City of Olympia’s labor contracts.
“We are thrilled to welcome Director Jablonski to our team,” said Interim City Manager Kim. “Her comprehensive experience in Washington state, combined with her proven leadership in Fairfax County, Virginia, makes her the ideal leader for our Human Resources Department as we continue to support our City of Tacoma staff and serve our community.”
Director Jablonski’s Washington state experience also includes serving as the Human Resources Director for the Washington State Department of Transportation – Ferries Division, where she provided Human Resources leadership for 2,000 employees across 14 labor contracts. She also served as the Human Resources Director for the Washington State Department of Corrections.
“I look forward to serving the City of Tacoma and am excited to return to Washington State,” said Director Jablonski. “I am passionate about public service and look forward to collaborating with City leadership and staff to foster a positive workplace culture and implement strategic initiatives that benefit our employees and the entire community.”
Director Jablonski holds a Master of Arts in Negotiations & Conflict Resolution from California State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics & Race Relations from The Evergreen State College.
Director Jablonski is expected to begin her new role on February 9, 2026.