Staff Profiles

Robert Bell has 20 years of human resources experience in both the private and public sectors. During this time, Bob has held specialist positions in the areas of recruitment, benefits and workers’ compensation, classification and compensation and employee relations. Bob took over the human resources department for Redwood City in 2005 where he and rest of the staff began expanding the City’s workforce planning and development initiatives. Bob has a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior from USF and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State Northridge. Bob holds a Master Certification in Labor Relations from the California Public Employee Relations Association and was designated a Senior Professional in Human Resources from the Society of Human Resources Management. Bob was honored as the top municipal HR Director in the state when he was awarded the 2004 Career Leadership Award by the League of California Cities.

Laurel Blaemire has been with the City of Redwood City Human Resources Department since 1985.  During her 20+ year career in Human Resources, Laurel has held many positions working in the areas of budget, labor relations, recruitment, employee relations, workers’ compensation and training.  Since 1999, Laurel has been one of two Human Resources Representatives representing the department in the areas of recruitment and retention, employee relations and handling special projects.  The departments Laurel works with the most are City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Fire, Human Resources, Library, and Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

Cecilia Gomez has been with the Redwood City Human Resources Department for just over 10 years.  For most of this time Cecilia has been in the position of Administrative Clerk where she adds value through her excellent customer service skills for the citizens and our internal organization.  Cecilia provides support to the entire HR staff while being responsible for processing all education reimbursements, posting job listings, recruitments, updating the HR website, and many other duties to assist in keeping the administrative flow of the department organized and working efficiently. 

Leah Lockhart began her career with the City in 2004 as a Human Resources Representative working on special projects including succession planning, management training, certification programs, and other employee development and organizational change initiatives.  Currently, she works with the Human Resources Department with an emphasis on recruitment, employee relations, and administrative services for the Community Development Services, Public Works Services, Finance and Police Departments.  Leah also manages the City’s bilingual certification program.  Prior to coming to Redwood City, Leah was a consultant to public sector organizations in the areas of leadership development, management training, team building and change management.  Leah holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. 

Carolyn McLaurin began her career with the City in 1984 working in the General Services Department as an Administrative Clerk.  Since then she has held various positions in both the City Managers office and the Department of Human Resources.  While working in the City Manager’s office, Carolyn started as a Confidential/Administrative Secretary and was soon promoted to the City’s first EEO/Affirmative Action Coordinator.  Later Carolyn became part of the Human Resources team and held positions such as Quality of Working Life Coordinator, Post Injury Program Manager, and Human Resources Representative.  Carolyn currently manages the City’s Workers’ Compensation Safety and Benefits Division.  Carolyn completed the Human Resources Certificate program from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University.

Ray Williams has been with Redwood City Human Resources Department for over 22 years and is currently working as Senior Human Resources Representative.  In this capacity, she works as a team leader in the areas of recruitments, administrative services, employee relations and other generalist duties.  She previously held the HR positions of administrative secretary, personnel assistant and HR analyst. Prior to coming to Redwood City in 1984, she worked as a medical examiner and vocational rehabilitation counselor, both part of Rehabilitation Services Commission located in Columbus, Ohio.  Ray holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology from U.C. Berkeley.  She resides in Foster City, CA.

Jane Yang joined Redwood City Human Resources Department in March 2008 as a Human Resources Technician. Jane’s main focus is on employee benefits, administers all different benefit plans and retirement system, and she is assisting on Workers’ Compensation and Safety areas as well. Before joining the City of Redwood City, she was employed at San Mateo County Office of Education for about 2 years, where she held position as Benefits Specialist. Jane holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State University East Bay, major in Business Administration/Computer Information Systems. She had been a Software Development Testing Engineer for 3 years before she switched her career path to Human Resources/Benefits area.