Emma House: Public Service Runs in the Family

A commitment to public service comes naturally to Emma House.

House’s father was a heavy-duty mechanic and equipment operator with the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska until his retirement.

Her mother worked for the State of Alaska in the Department of Health and Social Services, “assisting leaders and working closely with the legislative commissioners who traveled in and out of Juneau on business,” says House, who has served as the human resources director with the City of Oak Harbor, Wash., since 2016.

“I was able to learn from my parents and their work ethic, values and personal responsibility,” House tells PSHRA.

Her parents played a critical role in her decision to pursue a career in the public sector, but it was a few professional role models who helped steer Emma toward HR.

“After completing college, I had incredible mentors in HR working in healthcare, I was able to learn the positivity and passion of HR, and how integral HR processes, policies and procedures are to creating and embracing a cohesive and successful workplace.”

House, who holds a bachelor’s degree in dance from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, transitioned from healthcare to public sector HR when she followed in mom’s footsteps, taking a position as an administrative assistant with the City and Borough of Juneau in 2010.

“Once I found employment where I was able to combine my knowledge and passion of HR with public service, it has been the best fit for my overall career growth and satisfaction in my role as an HR professional,” says House, who is scheduled to complete her master’s degree in HR management from Western Governors University in March 2026.

“Public sector HR connects to my family values and has encouraged my long-term career growth in public sector HR.”

House’s involvement with PSHRA has helped nurture that professional growth.

“PSHRA has supported me in reaching my professional goals in so many ways,” says House, who joined the organization as a member in 2014, at the urging of her then-director (and one-time IPMA-HR Executive Council member) Mila Cosgrove.

“From the beginning of my career, [PSHRA has served as] a sounding board, a resource, a network, a certification resource and a continuing education opportunity,” she says, noting that the PSHRA webinars, events and conferences she’s attended have been instrumental in her development.

“PSHRA has made me feel seen, heard and valued, and I appreciate all that PSHRA has given to me and to every HR professional trying to succeed, grow and reach their HR goals.”