Rumi Portillo

Human Resources and Coaching

Rumi Portillo is a human resources professional, consultant, and executive coach, with more than thirty years in public service. Rumi has worked extensively with industrial psychologists, attorneys, and medical professionals on complex and sensitive employment-related matters. Prior to becoming an independent consultant, Rumi served as the Chief People Officer (CPO) for the City of Palo Alto, a fast-paced and high-demand municipal government employer in the epicenter of Silicon Valley. As CPO, Rumi oversaw recruitment, labor and employee relations, benefits, compensation, training, organizational development, risk management, and health and safety.

Prior to her role in Palo Alto, Rumi served in human resources management for the cities of Los Gatos, Sunnyvale, and San Jose. Through her work with these agencies, Rumi became a regional expert in municipal employment matters, with a special focus on public safety, including Police, Fire, and 911 Emergency Dispatch. Rumi is also a trained negotiator with many years of experience developing and executing labor strategies.

Rumi is certified in Mindfulness, Compassion and Resiliency from the Stanford Compassion Institute and UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness. She is currently immersed in emerging studies related to recognizing and treating work trauma. Rumi has presented at numerous conferences, workshops and MBA/MPA programs, with a focus on employment best practices and workplace diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). 

Testimonials

Listen to what others have to say about working with Rumi.

“I need to tell you both there is an overwhelming tide of relief among leadership and managers that have worked with either or both of you, we are so grateful to have your expertise and wisdom.”
Dori Rose Inda

CEO, Salud