The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners on Monday approved the appointment of Sandy Witz as Director of Human Resources Services to lead the division that oversees the Port’s human capital strategies. The Port of Long Beach has about 550 employees.

Witz, the former Port Assistant Director of Human Resources, had been serving in a consulting role as Acting HR Director. She was selected for the permanent position following a competitive search after the previous HR director, Stacey Lewis, announced her retirement.

Witz joined the Port of Long Beach in 2018 as Assistant Director of Human Resources, serving until May of last year. Prior to coming to the Port, she worked for the City of Anaheim Human Resources for more than 20 years serving in various leadership positions. Witz earned a bachelor’s degree in political science at California State University, Long Beach, and a master’s of public administration at the University of Southern California. She is the current president and past board member for the Southern California Public Management Association-Human Resources.

The appointment of Witz is effective Jan. 15.