OAKLAND, CA – July 1, 2025 – The Peralta Community College District (PCCD) is pleased to announce the selection of Sharon “Jamila” Buckner, MS, as its new Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, following a comprehensive search that included extensive stakeholder interviews and feedback from public forums. Ms. Buckner brings over two decades of distinguished human resources executive experience, marked by a deep commitment to transformational change, inclusive cultures, and strategic talent development across diverse sectors.
“I am delighted to welcome S. Jamila Buckner back to the Peralta Community College District,” said Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor. “Jamila brings a proven track record of cultivating high-performing, equity-driven, and people-centered teams. Her deep commitment to higher education and the East Bay community makes her an outstanding choice for this vital leadership role. At Peralta, we are rooted in passion, purpose, and possibility—and I'm confident Jamila will help us grow an even more supportive and empowering environment for our students, faculty, classified professionals, and administrators.”
During her community forum, S. Jamila Buckner expressed her deep personal connection to higher education and particularly to the Peralta District, stating, "I know firsthand how life-changing higher education can be, and I feel like I'm living proof. Student success is not only a value that I support, but also a part of my story, and it resonates with me." Ms. Buckner is an alumna of Peralta’s own Laney and Merritt Colleges in Oakland, providing her with a unique understanding of the district’s mission and community.
As Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, Ms. Buckner will be responsible for leading all aspects of human resources for the Peralta Community College District, including benefits, risk management, and employee relations, focusing on fostering a thriving, equitable, and efficient workforce that supports the district’s mission and strategic goals. She will start on July 14, 2025.
Ms. Buckner is a recognized Human Resources Executive and transformational change agent with a career spanning nonprofit, private, and public sectors. She is known for her visionary leadership and "people-first" philosophy, consistently building inclusive, equitable, and high-performing organizational cultures that align human capital with strategic goals. "Throughout my career, I've made it my mission to ensure that I'm aligning people, culture, and systems in ways that create lasting organizational impact, especially in spaces where purpose matters."
Most recently, Ms. Buckner served as the Chief People Officer, Equity & Inclusion for the SF Marin Food Bank, where she was a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and played a vital role on the Board Committees for Compensation and Equity. Previously, Ms. Buckner was the Chief People Officer at Accion Opportunity Fund, the nation’s largest nonprofit microlender. Ms. Buckner's earlier career includes impactful executive HR roles within higher education, notably at Golden Gate University and Saint Mary’s College of California.
S. Jamila Buckner’s leadership style is characterized by strategic partnerships, data-informed decision-making, and inclusive engagement. She holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management from Golden Gate University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Saint Mary’s College of California. Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Buckner is deeply committed to community engagement. She has been actively involved in community and professional organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc., supporting students through scholarships and has even previously volunteered with the Peralta Colleges Foundation to review scholarship applications.