Eugene Whitlock leads UC Berkeley’s People & Culture organization, which is responsible for human resources strategy and services across the university’s staff workforce. People & Culture oversees talent acquisition, employee and labor relations, performance management, policy development, benefits and wellness programs, leadership and career development, and staff engagement and belonging initiatives. The department also plays a central role in advancing the university’s workplace culture, staff engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
Eugene is an experienced higher education leader and licensed attorney with a background in employment law, organizational development, and equity-focused human resources policy. Prior to joining UC Berkeley in 2019, he served as Vice Chancellor of Human Resources and General Counsel for the San Mateo County Community College District, where he led systemwide HR and legal operations. He began his career as an employment attorney in private practice, representing a broad range of public- and private-sector clients in matters of labor law, governance, and workplace investigations. At Berkeley, Eugene has led major initiatives to strengthen staff inclusion, improve HR service delivery through digital tools and regional service centers, and align the university’s people strategies with institutional goals and values.
