Joanne Elliott

A human resource professional with over 25 years of experience, Ms. Elliott joined SouthWest Water as Director, Human Resources in January 2019 and was promoted to CHRO in 2022. Her expertise includes strategic planning, talent management, organization and management development, and human resource information systems. Ms. Elliott oversees organizational planning and development, employee relations, training, compensation, talent acquisition, workers’ compensation, benefits administration, and human resources systems for the company and its subsidiaries.

Throughout her career, Ms. Elliott has worked in various industries including aerospace, financial, retail, and manufacturing companies, managing both multi-state and multi-national matrix employees. Prior to joining SouthWest Water, she served as Vice President of Human Resources for Continental DataGraphics, a subsidiary of the Boeing Company. During her tenure, she oversaw 1,600 employees in the U.S., U.K., and India and worked within the executive leadership team to transform the organization through utilization of human capital and emerging technologies. She developed and implemented performance review programs to improve retention and drive to a common company culture. She improved the human resources systems supporting business objectives through integrated compensation management, performance management, goal setting and learning and development solutions. In her earlier positions, she served as a human resources leader with Lehman Brothers and Indymac Bank. She developed and deployed progressive and valued services that supported competitive business environments. In addition, she implemented multiple process improvement initiatives and performance management and leadership development programs.

Ms. Elliott earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Human Resources from California State University, Long Beach. She is a Senior Certified Professional with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP).