Christopher Louria has 20 years of experience with Sysco, the national food products distributor
Sarasota County has hired Christopher J. Louria as the new director of its Human Resources Department, the county has announced.
He is expected to start work on Aug. 2, replacing outgoing county Human Resources Director Joanie Whitley; she will be retiring later this year, a county news release says.
With more than 25 years of human resources management experience, Louria has spent the past 20 years as chief human resources officer for Sysco, a major distributor of food products throughout the United States, the release notes.
Prior to joining Sysco, Louria served as director of training, development and job placement for Wayne County Job Connection in Dearborn, Mich., and as human resources public programs manager for PepsiCo in Southfield, Mich., the release continues. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), with a concentration in human resources, from Wayne State University in Detroit, the release adds.
“Christopher’s expertise and experience as a human resources professional made him the ideal candidate for the position,” said Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer in the release. “His leadership will be a key for our Human Resources Department, as [it serves] as both the entry point, and the support structure, for our 2,000-plus county employees.”
Louria said in the release that he was drawn to the position because of Sarasota County’s vision, mission and values and that he is looking forward to being a part of the county’s “One Team” philosophy.
“Sarasota County is an exemplary organization, based on strong leadership, sound principals and a commitment to customer service,” Louria added in the release. “It’s a privilege and honor to join such a strong team.”