San Jose Will Appoint New Equity Director October 25
The appointment will affect how the city manages its $3.3 million equity office budget and six-person staff.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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San Jose officials announced that Amber Hewitt will begin her new role as director of racial and social equity on October 25. Hewitt, previously a chief equity officer in Washington, D.C., will oversee the city office that manages a $3.3 million annual budget.
Why it matters
The appointment fills a three-month leadership gap following the retirement of inaugural director Zulma Maciel in August 2026. This transition marks a return to permanent oversight for the department's six-employee team as the city continues its equity initiatives.
The city's office of racial and social equity maintains an annual operating budget of approximately $3.3 million and oversees a team of six employees. The position remained vacant for three months following the retirement of the inaugural director in August 2026.
The players
Amber Hewitt
An experienced equity official formerly serving as chief equity officer in Washington, D.C.
Angel Rios
The Deputy City Manager of San Jose who served as interim director during the vacancy.
Zulma Maciel
The inaugural director of the office who retired in August 2026 after six years of service.
The details
The director position was filled following a nationwide recruitment project conducted by the city manager's office. Hewitt, who holds a PhD in counseling psychology, was formally introduced during a city council meeting on October 6. The office previously functioned under the leadership of interim director and Deputy City Manager Angel Rios during the vacancy.
Timeline
August 2026: Zulma Maciel retired from the office.
October 6, 2026: Amber Hewitt was introduced at the City Council meeting.
October 25, 2026: Amber Hewitt begins the director job.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the established administrative hiring procedures for municipal department heads in San Jose. The hire replaces the inaugural director, maintaining the city's continuity in managing specialized social equity operations.
Operators in San Jose should note that the office has returned to permanent leadership, signaling potential changes in departmental outreach or policy engagement. Business owners interacting with city equity initiatives should monitor upcoming public meeting agendas for new policy directives.
The takeaway
Leadership stability in local government offices often precedes shifts in municipal compliance or procurement focus. Stakeholders should track the new director's public statements following the October 25 start date to identify changes in the department's operational priorities.
What happens next
Amber Hewitt officially assumes the director role on October 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more on administrative leadership shifts in the city, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by San Jose Mercury News.
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