City Appoints New Human Services Director

SAN LEANDRO, CA — City Manager Fran Robustelli has appointed Jessica Lobedan as the city's first Human Services Director, the city of San Leandro announced Monday, June 5.

Lobedan is expected to begin in the position July 3, the city said in an email to Patch.com.

" With a decade of community service experience, Ms. Lobedan recently served as the Community Services Manager for the City of Hayward and was responsible for various efforts to address homelessness in the community," the city said. "She was also the Mayoral-appointed staff member to the Alameda County Homelessness Technical Working Group and supported the development of the St. Regis Behavioral Health and Housing Campus."

City Manager Fran Robustelli said it was "a pleasure to appoint Lobedan to the role.

"As I researched Jessica's background, her references informed me that she is a consummate collaborator and a problem solver having a gift of bringing all ideas and people together to reach solutions. I am grateful Jessica will use her talents, skills, and abilities to uplift San Leandro residents and stakeholders," Robustelli said.

Lobedan said she was looking forward to filling her new role with the city.

"I am truly excited to join the City of San Leandro and support the Council, City Manager, and community to expand support for the unhoused community, enhance the services currently provided to seniors, and implement innovative community health services," she said.

Lobedan will serve as the successor to Eric Engelbart, who was recruited to rejoin the City of San Leandro following his previously announced departure in 2021, and served as Acting Director of the Human Services Department this past year. She is currently in the process of becoming a credentialed government leader recognized by the Northern and Southern California Municipal Management Associations.

Lobedan received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Davis, in Organizational Sociology, with a minor in Community Development. Her Master of Public Policy is from Mills College, focusing on social policy, program evaluation, and local planning.