SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) proudly recognized Jasinda Muhammad, Deputy Director of Human Resources for California Correctional Health Care Services, as the recipient of the 2025 CalHR Robert L. Negri Human Resources Achievement Award. The award was presented during the CalHR Conference in Sacramento.
Muhammad was honored for her exceptional leadership, innovation and lasting contributions to the field of human resources. With more than 30 years of experience, including 12 in executive leadership, she oversees a $49 million budget and nearly 400 staff, supporting over 15,000 employees statewide. Under her guidance, her department transformed recruitment through large-scale hiring events, implemented technology-driven process improvements and addressed critical staffing shortages, including in mental health services. She is also a strong advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional development. Her collaborative and results-driven approach has earned her widespread respect across state service.
“Congratulations once again to Jasinda Muhammad for her exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence in human resources,” said Monica Erickson, CalHR’s Acting Director. “Your work truly embodies this year’s conference theme, ‘Embracing Change with Purpose,’ inspiring all of us to approach challenges with vision, courage and intentional action.”
About the CalHR Negri Award
The CalHR Negri Award is in memory of Robert “Bob” Negri who began his state employment in 1968 with the Department of Transportation, where he held various roles including Chief of Employee Safety, Chief of Labor Relations and ultimately, until his passing in December 1990, Chief of the Division of Personnel Management. As a distinguished leader in human resources, Bob made significant contributions to the landscape of labor relations within state government. He was a member of the State’s inaugural negotiating team, served as chief negotiator in subsequent labor negotiations and earned a reputation as a highly revered advisor to all. The CalHR Negri Award is presented to a state employee or organizational group for outstanding performance and achievement in the field of human resources.
The CalHR Negri Award is sponsored by CalHR. Award nominations are made by the state employee or organizational group department, reviewed by the CalHR Negri Award Review Committee and approved by the Director of CalHR. Since the award began in 1993, there have been only 23 recipients of the prestigious award. Nominations must clearly identify and support the nominee’s qualifications in the following areas:
- Dedication to excellence in the field of human resources.
- Outstanding customer service to the state, department and/or employee(s).
- Excellent performance and achievements in the field of human resources.
For more information about the CalHR Negri Award, visit the CalHR website.
About CalHR
CalHR is responsible for all issues related to employee salaries and benefits, job classifications, civil rights, training, exams, recruitment and retention. For most employees, many of these matters are determined through the collective bargaining process managed by CalHR. For more information about CalHR, please visit our website.