Linda Gillespie has spent nearly her entire professional life serving the City of Los Angeles.
Gillespie has worked as a senior personnel analyst II with Los Angeles World Airport since September 2023. Gillespie also spent five-plus years as a management analyst with the City of Los Angeles, from April 2018 to September 2023.
Prior to that, Gillespie was an audit clerk with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, serving in that capacity for nearly two years.
Her start in public service, however, came 24 years earlier. Gillespie joined the City of Los Angeles as a communications operator in 1992. This position offered her a chance to get on the professional path she had always envisioned.
“I pursued a career in public sector human resources because it brings together two of my greatest passions: public service and personnel administration,” says Gillespie, who holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration from California State University.
“I find purpose in supporting individuals throughout the hiring process, and helping them secure meaningful employment. Knowing that my work can positively affect someone’s life while strengthening the public workforce brings me a deep sense of fulfillment.”
In 2002, she was promoted to senior communications operator in the 3-1-1 Call Center, which serves as the face of the City of Los Angeles for residents seeking non-emergency services.
In that role, Gillespie supervised 3-1-1 agents and assisted with the overall management of the Call Center. The agents processed a wide range of service requests, including building and safety concerns, trash collection, tree trimming and removal, construction permits and many other non-emergency matters.
In 2018, Gillespie became a management analyst with LA Sanitation, where she oversaw budget and personnel operations for a division of approximately 135 employees.
“This experience strengthened my knowledge of public sector administration and gave me the opportunity to apply both analytical and human resources skills in support of a large operational division,” she says.
Gillespie has been a PSHRA member since August 2024, joining the Association just months after transitioning to Los Angeles World Airports.
She sought out the Association “because I wanted to be part of a professional human resources association that advocates for the public sector HR profession, promotes high standards and provides valuable resources,” she says.
“PSHRA also offers opportunities for its members to learn, grow and strengthen their professional knowledge and skills.”
Looking forward, Gillespie hopes to continue her professional growth, “and becoming the best human resources professional I can be,” she says. “I am committed to giving 100% to my craft, expanding my knowledge and skills, and using my experience to make a meaningful and positive impact in public service.”
PSHRA figures to be an integral part of that journey.
“PSHRA has supported me in reaching my goals by providing valuable resources, professional knowledge and opportunities for continued growth throughout my career,” says Gillespie.
“It has also connected me with other public sector HR professionals, allowing me to expand my network, exchange ideas and learn from others in the field. I feel truly blessed to be part of this profession and grateful to be doing work that I love. This is my dream job.”
01 October 2026
Category
Stories of Impact
