The City of Santa Barbara has hired a new human resources director.

Michael Arnoldus is scheduled to begin in the role on Sept. 22.

Arnoldus most recently served as the human resources manager for the City of Santa Monica, where he led strategic initiatives in recruitment, organizational design and employee benefits, according to a news release.

He also worked for 12 years as the director of employment services for the Ventura County Community College District. He also worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District and the City of Los Angeles, according to the city.

“Michael’s deep experience in public-sector human resources, combined with his collaborative leadership style, make him an excellent fit for Santa Barbara,” City Administrator Kelly McAdoo said in a statement. “We’re excited to welcome him to our executive team, and his strategic mindset and commitment to service excellence will help us continue to grow as an employer of choice.”

Arnoldus holds a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from California State University, Fullerton.

“It is an honor to serve as human resources director for the City of Santa Barbara, and I look forward to collaborating with city leadership, employees and labor partners to continue building a strong and resilient workforce that serves our community with excellence,” Arnoldus said in a statement.

In his new role, Arnoldus will oversee the city’s HR programs, including recruitment and selection, classification and compensation, employee and labor relations, training and development, and benefits administration.

The former HR director, Wendy Levy, left earlier this year for a job in Camarillo, closer to her home.