Heather Redenius has been promoted to human resources director for the city of Des Moines, City Manager Scott Sanders announced this week. Redenius has been interim director since James Wells, the department’s former director, retired in December 2024.

Redenius “brings proven leadership and a fresh perspective to her new role with the Human Resources Department, and she will continue to enhance the city as an employer and build on its reputation as an exceptional destination for employees,” Sanders said in a prepared statement.

Redenius joined the department over 17 years ago, serving first as a human resources’ generalist and then an analyst. She’s been a human resources manager for the past 12 years.

Redenius, whose annual base salary will be $182,000, holds several professional certifications including Human Resources Certification Institute Professional in Human Resources and the Society of Human Resources Management Certified Professional. She is a graduate of Drake University’s Iowa Certified Public Manager program.