Jefferson County Administrator Ralph Schell announced that Jennifer Fairweather has been hired to head the county’s Human Resources (HR) Department. Her first day on the job will be March 31.
 
“Jennifer has a wonderful background in the field of Human Resources in both the private and public sectors,” Schell said. “I’m thrilled that she has accepted the position of HR Department director for Jefferson County and will be joining our executive team.” 
 
Fairweather is currently director of Human Resources, Security and Facilities for the Denver Department of Human Services, a position she has held for five years. She was responsible for staffing, as well as employee relations, staff development, organizational development, diversity initiatives, wellness programs, workers’ compensation and a variety of other programs.
 
“I am really looking forward to joining the Jefferson County team,” Fairweather said. “I have a real passion for human resources and am honored to be given the opportunity to lead this effort for such a great county.”

She has more than 16 years of experience in human resources and several years of operational management experience. Before joining Denver Human Services, she held positions as HR director of the Denver Fire Department, HR manager of Denver County Court, and an HR administrator for Oppenheimer Funds.

As the Jefferson County Human Resources director, she will oversee a staff of 17 and work with the county’s elected officials and directors in matters relating to employee relations, benefits, personnel policies, compensation, recruiting and training; and ensure compliance with local, state and federal government regulations. Jefferson County government has nearly 3,000 full-time-equivalent employees.
 
Fairweather has a master’s degree in Human Resources Development from Webster University and a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Colorado. She currently is an affiliate professor at Regis University in the field of organizational leadership for the School of Professional Studies. A Denver native, she is married, has a son, and is very involved in many community activities.
 
Fairweather was the unanimous recommendation from the interview panel that included representatives of the Administrative Services Department, Clerk & Recorder’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Human Services Department and the Sheriff’s Office.