Cesar Portillo has joined Highline Community College as executive director for human resources.

Portillo has Highline 15 years of experience in employee relations and policy/procedure development as well as extensive knowledge of employment laws.

He most recently served as interim director of human resources at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Portillo earned his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Texas at El Paso and engaged in graduate-level studies in psychology at San Diego State University. He also earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources certificate from the Society for Human Resource Management.

He is a dedicated volunteer for the American Cancer Society, serving as a grant reviewer for the organization's Research and Training Program, and member of the leadership council in the Great West Division, which includes Washington.