Human Resources

Interim Director of Human Resources

Lauren Knox has been the Labor and Employee Relations Manager with the City of Kirkland since 2024, overseeing the City’s collective bargaining, classification and compensation, employee relations, and Civil Service. Prior to joining the City of Kirkland, Lauren spent 8 years at the City of Issaquah as an HR generalist and Labor and Risk Manager. Throughout her career, Lauren has gained significant experience in all areas of HR operations including employee culture and engagement, benefits and leave administration, risk management, recruitment, labor relations, workplace investigations, class/comp, and workplace safety.

Lauren holds a juris doctorate degree from Duke University and is admitted to the Washington State Bar. Lauren did her Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics at the College of William and Mary.

Lauren is excited to take on the role of Interim Director and looks forward to continuing to support the success of the HR team and all of the City of Kirkland’s employees. 

City of Kirkland Core Values Video

Mission
To build, develop and retain a high performing 21st Century workforce whose work advances the mission, vision and values of the City of Kirkland

Department Functions
Human Resources is responsible for the successful design and implementation of the following functions: recruitment, training, employee relations, labor relations, compensation, benefit administration, risk management, workers compensation and performance management.

The Human Resources Department staffs and supports the following Boards and Commissions: 

Civil Service: Police Officers and Firefighters are hired and promoted under the authority of the Civil Service Commission. The Commission ensures that these Public Safety employees are hired and promoted on the basis of merit.  The Commission can also discipline and terminate for cause.

Disability Board (LEOFF 1): The Kirkland Disability Board represents LEOFF I (Law Enforcement Officers and Firefighters, plan I) members in developing, amending, and updating the policies and procedures relating to LEOFF I members. The Board also reviews, approves or denies payment of medical expenses, requests for pre-authorization of medical expenditures, disability leaves, and applications for retirement.

Salary Commission: As authorized by RCW 35.21.015, in 2005 the City of Kirkland established a Salary Commission to set the salaries of the Mayor and City Council Members. The Salary Commission is made up of three citizens who are appointed for staggered terms by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.

The Human Resources Department is responsible for the negotiations, administration, and interpretation of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) with all the City's unions. 

View CBAs

Cascadia Government Leadership Collective

About the Program
The Collective offers a series of in-person workshops focused on leadership, not just management, within the public sector. Participants will learn from experienced practitioners and explore topics such as emotional intelligence, communication, strategic decision-making, community engagement, and organizational culture.