Janell Crane named interim director of County of Sonoma’s Human Resources Department

Janell Crane, a seasoned personnel leader with nearly three decades of experience in human resources and risk management, has been named interim director of the County of Sonoma’s Human Resources Department.

A resident of west Sonoma County, Crane has worked for the county since 1995 and has served as deputy director of Human Resources for the last two years.

“Janell is an authentic leader who fosters strong relationships, values diverse perspectives, and has a deep commitment to the organization,” said James Gore, chair of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. “We are confident she will do a great job in this new role.”

Crane will succeed Christina Cramer, who has stepped down after eight years as director of Human Resources to take a position for the County of Marin, where her family has deep roots.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Janell’s values, experience and skills to step in at this time and fill this important role,” said Sonoma County Administrator Sheryl Bratton, who appointed Crane interim director effective Jan. 7, 2023.

Crane joined the county Department of General Services in 1995 as an analyst in its risk management division, which was merged into Human Resources in 2006. She was promoted to liability manager in 2011 and risk manager in 2018, leading the unit that oversees the county’s self-insurance and insurance programs, claims administration and risk mitigation services. In 2020, she was named deputy director of Human Resources.

As interim director, Crane will lead human resources and risk management operations for the county government, the largest employer in Sonoma County with approximately 4,200 full-time workers.

The Human Resources Department, which has 65 employees and an operating budget of $123.7 million, assists the county’s 27 departments with recruitment, labor relations, insurance, benefits, workforce development and workplace health and safety. Crane will also oversee bargaining with 11 labor unions and associations currently negotiating new contracts for county workers.

“We have important work ahead,” Crane said. “I’m excited to work with our HR team and other county departments to recruit and retain top-notch public servants while supporting the Board of Supervisors’ strategic initiatives to improve organizational excellence and racial equity in county government.”

Her salary as Interim Director will be set at $185,806 annually.

Sonoma County is currently recruiting to fill approximately 100 open positions in a variety of full-time, part-time, and temporary employment opportunities, including internships. A list of open jobs can be viewed at yourpath2sonomacounty.com.

The county offers competitive salaries; a comprehensive benefits package including reimbursement for staff development and wellness; hybrid/remote work options for many positions; a robust workforce development program; flexible schedules; paid family leave; opportunities to work on innovative and community-centered projects; and recruitment and selection processes that emphasize equitable hiring.

In July, the County of Sonoma was named one of America’s 500 Best Midsized Employers by Forbes magazine, the only government agency in California to make the magazine’s list.

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Media Contact:
Ted Appel, Communications Specialist 
publicaffairs@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3040
575 Administration Drive, Suite 104A
Santa Rosa, CA 95403