Dominique Anderson, who joined the City of Sarasota's Human Resources department in 2014 and worked her way up through multiple roles, has been appointed the city's permanent Director of Human Resources.

City Manager Karie Friling announced the appointment on Friday, Aug. 7, after Anderson spent six months leading the department in an acting capacity. Friling said Anderson has shown "exceptional leadership, professionalism, and dedication" in serving the city.

"I'm confident this appointment will strengthen our Human Resources operations and support our employees and departments citywide," Friling said in the city's announcement.

Anderson's path through City Hall spans more than a decade. She came to the city from private sector human resources and management work, joining the HR department in 2014. She held several roles within the department before being promoted to general manager in 2023, and then stepped into the acting director position approximately six months before the permanent appointment. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Saint Leo University and a master's in management from the University of Phoenix.

The promotion is notable for its trajectory. Anderson now leads the same 11-person department she entered 12 years ago.

That department handles a broad portfolio of city operations: recruiting, professional development, risk management, ADA compliance, and employee and labor relations. It also provides services to two advisory bodies, the Human Relations Board and the Citizens with Disabilities Advisory Board.

Anderson said she plans to find new ways to support city employees and to set a high bar for customer service within the department. She thanked Friling for the opportunity and said she looks forward to making the HR office "a place where employees are welcomed, valued, and empowered to do their best work."

The city, which serves approximately 55,000 year-round residents, confirmed the appointment through its official social media accounts on Aug. 7.