PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, December, 2024 – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced the appointment of Candi Jones as the new Chief Human Resources Officer for the City of Philadelphia. In her new role, Jones will oversee all aspects of human resources management, ensuring effective policies and strategies to enhance recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and workforce development across the city’s diverse departments and agencies.
Jones, a dedicated public servant, has been instrumental in addressing key challenges and opportunities within the city government. As part of Mayor Parker’s administration, Jones played a critical role in negotiating a one-year contract extension for AFSCME District Council 33, preventing a work stoppage for over 8,400 city employees. Additionally, she contributed to the groundbreaking launch of the City College for Municipal Employment in collaboration with the Community College of Philadelphia.

Prior to this appointment, Jones served as the Deputy Commissioner for Human Resources and Administration at the Philadelphia Water Department and First Deputy Director for the Office of Human Resources. Her accomplishments include overhauling HR processes, creating workforce development programs, and implementing leadership training initiatives. Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Johns Hopkins University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Baltimore. She is SHRM and HRCI certified, as well as a Certified Compensation Professional, showcasing her commitment to transformative HR leadership.
Jones succeeds Mike Zaccagni, a highly respected HR veteran in city government, whom Mayor Parker commended for his decades of service and contributions to Philadelphia.
About the City of Philadelphia
With a workforce of 30,000 employees and opportunities across 1,000 job categories, the City of Philadelphia is one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Guided by principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, the City is committed to delivering effective services, addressing challenges, and fostering an environment where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
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