Robert Neiuber: Serving, Learning and Helping Others Succeed

A local government class at the University of California, Riverside set Robert Neiuber on the road to a career in public service.

“As part of that class, I interviewed local elected officials and city staff,” says Neiuber, who graduated from the school with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1989.

“What stood out to me was the connection between collaboration and community outcomes. I saw how effective governance could improve quality of life, and I knew I wanted to be part of that work.”

Neiuber has been a part of the public sector ever since, taking his first role as a management trainee in personnel with the City of Covina, Calif., in 1990.

Neiuber spent 22 years with the City, mostly as part of what he calls “a small but mighty HR team,” contributing across all aspects of HR, including labor relations. He also learned a valuable career lesson during his two-plus decades with the agency.

“What I discovered, and what has kept me engaged for more than three decades, is that HR in the public sector is fundamentally about solving problems, supporting departments, supporting employees and creating the conditions for employees to do their best work in service to the community. I was hooked.”

Neiuber has “had the privilege to serve in a variety of roles” over the course of his 36-year career in public service, including his current position as human resources director for the City of Rancho Cucamonga; a post he has held since March 2014.

Across each of these roles, “my passion has remained the same: to build a high-performing, engaged workforce that can deliver meaningful results for the community.”

Neiuber has a similar passion for “continuous learning and the power of shared knowledge,” which led him to join PSHRA as a member more than a decade ago, while still with the City of Covina.

“PSHRA has provided me with both,” he says. “Through certifications, conferences, committees and leadership opportunities, the organization has allowed me to grow professionally while staying connected to a network of passionate public sector HR leaders.”

Moreover, PSHRA membership “has given me the tools and insights that I’ve been able to bring back to my organizations to enhance the employee experience and improve outcomes,” says Neiuber.

Indeed, both the City of Covina and the City of Rancho Cucamonga have been recognized with PSHRA agency awards of excellence during Neiuber’s tenure with those organizations, in 2007 and 2020, respectively.

Looking ahead, Neiuber hopes to continue advancing the type of innovative practices that helped his agencies earn those honors.

He also looks forward to continuing to give back to the profession, through speaking engagements, mentoring, and roles with organizations such as PSHRA and the League of California Cities Personnel and Employee Relations department.

“Sharing what we’ve learned and learning from others is one of the most rewarding aspects of this profession,” says Neiuber.

“Most of all, it’s the people I’ve met through PSHRA and throughout my career who have made this journey so meaningful. Public service is not just what I do. It’s what I care deeply about. As I approach my 36^th year, I remain as energized as ever to continue serving, learning and helping others succeed.”