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Garfield County hires experienced Human Resources director

Renee Thomas joins county after 10 years with Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority

PRESS RELEASE
November 7, 2025

Garfield County has attracted a new human resources director with a broad depth of public service experience, an engaging personality, and a zeal for the role of working with people. Renee Thomas says she views her new county role as a position she highly values to expand growth in her service to the wider community.

“I am excited to start this position, as I feel there is such a strong connection between employees and purpose in public service – there is such a different sense of mission and community service in local government,” Thomas expressed after accepting the role.

Thomas has served more than 20 years in public sector roles. She most recently served as human resources director for Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority over the past 10 years. Priorly, she served as human resource supervisor/manager for almost two years and senior generalist for nearly 10 years for the City of Commerce, Colorado. She also worked more than 3.5 years as an assistant human resources manager for Interstate Brands Corporation for Wonder Bread/Hostess Cake, a company of more than 34,000 employees.

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Metropolitan State University in Denver. She also earned a Senior Professional Human Resources certification and holds a Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society of Human Resources Management.

“The county is very pleased to welcome an HR director with the extensive background Renee has, to work with our talented employee base,” said Garfield County Manager Fred Jarman. “She brings valuable experience, steady leadership, and a passion for people that we know will make her a wonderful addition to our team.”

A decline in revenue has temporarily placed the county in a hiring freeze. Thomas views this challenge as a manageable factor in her plans to serve as HR director.

“Visionaries come and empower staff to be creative to learn how to envision systems for better impact,” she said. “I see this as an opportunity to take the challenges we have and make positive change. We are so much more capable than we give ourselves credit for. We do have a little push to work more strategically ahead of us, and I am really looking forward to working with the team to get a better understanding of how we can evolve together.

“I am thrilled to work for a solid organization that is service oriented in the daily lives and stability of the community,” she continued. “I am looking forward on continuing to build on what a great place the county already is and into the future.”

Thomas has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for 12 years and is a Colorado native. She begins her role with the county Nov. 13.

“I live here with my family, and I love to spend time with them. When I am not with them, I am running, reading, or with friends,” Thomas shares.