[Archived] Jen Jenkins Named Acting Human Resources Director

For Immediate Release: August 23, 2021

City Manager Mark Jinks has announced the appointment of Jen Jenkins as Acting Director of Human Resources for the City of Alexandria, effective August 23. Jenkins succeeds Shawnda Howard, who has resigned to return to the private sector.

“We thank Shawnda for all her contributions to the City and wish her well in the next step in her career,” said City Manager Mark Jinks. “I have appointed Jen Jenkins as Acting Director of Human Resources/Acting Chief Human Resources Officer. Jen has been a valuable member of the City team, whose recommendations in regard to classification and compensation have had a very positive impact on the City and its employees.” 

Jenkins joined the City in 2015 as the Manager of Classification and Compensation. In early 2017, she began leading HR Information Systems (HRIS) and assumed the role of Manager of Compensation & HRIS. During her time in the City, Jenkins has been instrumental in driving initiatives that support the City’s ability to compete in an increasingly competitive job market and is an advocate for modernizing the HR function. 

Jenkins brings with her more than a decade of experience in Human Resources, driving organizational change and strategic initiatives as a business partner and manager. Jenkins holds a master’s degree in Organizational Sciences with a focus in Human Resources Management from George Washington University and is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional in Human Resources.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.