The City of Wichita today announced Jason Hood, JD, MBA as the new Director of Human Resources (HR) for the City of Wichita. Hood has more than 20 years of experience in leading successful HR teams. His first day with the City of Wichita will be Monday, February 27.

The Director of Human Resources is responsible for directing, managing and integrating comprehensive human resources and services for the City to achieve efficient utilization and development of a high-performance staff, strong employee morale and productivity, and effective communication between management and represented employees and their bargaining organizations. 

Hood takes over the position following the retirement of former Director of HR Chris Bezruki in December of 2022.

Hood has consulted for and held a variety of HR leadership positions in K-12 schools, higher education, Fortune 100 companies, city municipal government and non-profit associations and has experience with labor relations and negotiations.

“Mr. Hood has an extensive and varied background in human resources management. We look forward to his leadership and expertise to help us develop a workforce that provides public service at the highest level of performance,” said City Manager Robert Layton.

Hood holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois College of Law, a Master of Business Administration from Millikin University Tabor School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Wabash College.