Photo: Theresa and her son, Max, visit Avila Beach.
Yuba Water Agency's human resources manager, Theresa DellaSanta, is responsible for providing employees with advice and guidance to handle certain situations in order to protect the agency from legal issues. She also helps recruit and attract quality talent, drafts policies, delivers valuable training and development opportunities, communicates changes affecting the workplace and helps resolve disputes. Scroll to learn more about Theresa.
What does your average day look like?
In my first three months since joining Yuba Water, my average day has consisted of getting to know the agency, its employees and how we operate. I've also been asking lots of questions to gain perspective and insight to help me align my strategy with the agency’s strategic plan. Some of my essential duties have been managing the HR Department, as well as process and procedure improvements.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
The HR Department's core functions include recruitment, benefits, policies, training and development, performance reviews, labor negotiations, employee engagement and personnel issues. These functions are year-round!
Photo: Theresa enjoys a round of golf at her local course in Lake of the Pines.
How did you get involved in your current career path?
I tell people all the time that I never wanted to do HR, but I was sort of forced into it years ago during the recession when the city I was working for was on the brink of insolvency and had to do a number of layoffs. The city reorganized a bit and I landed in HR. It was unfortunate how it happened, but I’m glad I ended up where I did because I really do love the work.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water Agency?
Two things. The people I work with and the impact we can have on the people we serve.
Tell us something about yourself that most of us don’t know.
My sisters and I are triplets. Two of us are identical and one is fraternal. I adore my husband Jason and my 5-year-old son Max. I love red wine and enjoy music by Otis Redding, Percy Sledge and Sam Cooke. Was it supposed to be just one thing?
Tell us an unusual story or experience you’ve had while working for Yuba Water Agency.
I am afraid of heights. It was my first time driving to Colgate Powerhouse and I happened to be driving my husband’s Dodge Ram that day, which is much bigger than my car. I didn’t realize how steep the hill and switchbacks were going down to the plant and trying to see over the hood was difficult in some areas and then looking down scared the heck out of me. By the time I got to the bottom, my knees had almost buckled and I’m pretty sure I was dripping sweat and my knuckles hurt from gripping the steering wheel.
What’s the most recent app you downloaded on your phone?
What3words. It essentially points to a very specific location using three words. Its developers divided the world into 57 trillion squares, each measuring 3m by 3m (10ft by 10ft) and each having a unique, randomly assigned three-word address. Basically, you can be located anywhere in the world, and it is accurate to 3 square meters. The three randomly chosen words can save lives too – imagine being in a life-threatening situation and wanting to tell someone where you are (stuck somewhere on a hike, in a car crash, lost on a mountain while skiing). Turn on the app to find your three words address and anyone can find you using that app from anywhere in the world. I recently used it while at a Sacramento Rivercats game to find the other families we were meeting. It worked like a charm. I definitely want to test it out on my next hike.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I really enjoy taking our RV out on weekend trips, golfing, wine tasting and watching my son Max play sports. I also enjoy when my high school friends from the bay area come up to visit on weekends. We kayak, float on the lake and usually stay up so late that we regret it the next morning.