Debra Gill
A proud native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Debra Gill devoted 27 years of their career to human resources in the public sector, with 22 years specifically spent as the Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations in a local government agency until their retirement in 2022. In this role, Debra Gill held comprehensive responsibilities, overseeing functions such as contract negotiations, strategic planning, employee engagement, organizational development, workers' compensation, recruitment and retention, classification and compensation, and spearheading the agency's COVID-19 response. Notably, Debra demonstrated a particular passion for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
With a wealth of bargaining experience totaling 22 years, Debra Gill served as the chief negotiator at various bargaining tables, including those involving police and fire personnel. She earned a B.A. degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Business Administration, followed by the completion of an MPA at Cal State University, East Bay. Debra actively contributed to professional organizations, including the League of California Cities, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of IPMA-HR.
Having long been associated with the California Public Employers Labor Relations Association (CALPELRA), Debra served on the Board of Directors for several years, culminating in her role as CALPELRA's 2022 Board President. She now channels her wealth of experience into academia, as Debra enthusiastically shares her insights and knowledge as a lecturer in the SFSU MPA program.