ST. GEORGE — The city of St. George has hired Pennie Hancock as its Human Resources director. She will be tasked with leading the city’s efforts in recruiting and retaining a world-class workforce to serve the residents of Utah’s fifth-largest city.
Pennie Hancock is the new human resources manager for the city of St. George, Feb. 5, 2024 | Photo courtesy of the city of St. George, St. George News
“I find fulfillment in building relationships and connecting with people,” Hancock said in a news release from the city of St. George. “I am a champion of organizational culture, respect, teamwork, diplomacy, integrity and live by the principle, ‘do what you say and say what you do.’”
With more than 16 years in public and private sector HR leadership roles, Hancock is dedicated to developing and executing human resource strategies that support the organization’s overall mission.
Her areas of focus will include talent management, succession planning, benefits plan administration, employee development and well-being and performance enhancement.
“One thing I noticed during the interview process is that Pennie understands the importance of creating organizational culture by motivating, engaging and empowering employees — our most valuable asset — to realize their full potential,” said City Manager John Willis. “In our discussions, I have found Pennie to be the total team player. She is humble, hungry to learn and people-smart. I know that she will hit the ground running in her role here at the City.”
Prior to joining the team at the City of St George, she was the Human Resources Manager for the Washington County Water Conservancy District, an Employee Relations Manager at SkyWest Airlines, and the Human Resources Director for Colorado Northwestern Community College.
Hancock is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and holds their professional designation plus serves as the Treasurer for the Color County Human Resource Association. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis in Human Resources from Southern Utah University.
Hancock’s predecessor, Sharon Hokanson, is retiring after eight years with the City of St. George and more than 25 years in the HR industry.
“We wish Sharon the best as she embarks on the next chapter in her life, and I thank her for doing so much for our city,” Willis added.