Anna McCray, a nearly 16-year employee of the city of Apache Junction, was named recently as human resources director.

She has been interim HR director since earlier this summer after longtime director Liz Riley retired from the city, according to a release.

McCray has moved up in responsibility in the city, serving as assistant to the city manager for the last five years before the HR assignment.

In her role in the city manager’s office, she has overseen the migration of major citywide systems, including the agenda management system, finance system and the human resources information system that handles payroll and timekeeping. McCray was an integral part of the city being a founding member of the health trust employees receive benefits from as well as the city’s transition to a four-day, 10-hour work week.

“There is no one better to take our human resources department at this critical time in the growth of the city,” City Manager Bryant Powell said in the release. “Anna knows our organization from top to bottom and has worked with all of our departments. She is stepping into an important role as the job market continues to evolve.”

McCray has a bachelor of science degree from California State University-Sacramento; and a master’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis on human resources, from Liberty University. Additionally, she has a certified public manager certificate from Arizona State University.

“Over the past 16 years with the city I have grown as an experienced professional and developed a diverse skill set. I like how the job is people-driven and I get to continue working with all city departments and employees,” McCray said. “I cannot say enough about the dedication of city employees. They truly believe in providing exemplary service to the community. Human resources prides itself on recruiting and hiring the best employees to provide that level of service. I look forward to working with the professionals on the human resources team during this exciting time of growth in the organization.”

McCray started at the city in 2006 as an executive assistant to the city manager before moving into a management position in 2013.

Prior to joining the city, McCray had nearly 10 years of corporate administrative experience including time with the California Chamber of Commerce, which provides employment law and support to 40,000 human resources professionals and business owners.