Amber Hewitt Will Lead San Jose Equity Office

The former Washington, D.C. official will start her new role as San Jose racial and social equity director on October 25.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a simplified civic building facade with geometric columns, representing local government administration in San Jose. — San Jose officials appointed Amber Hewitt to serve as the city's director of racial and social equity, with her term set to begin October 25. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support local government investment in offices dedicated to racial and social equity?

San Jose has appointed Amber Hewitt as its new director of racial and social equity. Hewitt is scheduled to officially begin her new position on October 25, 2026.

Why it matters

The position serves as a central leadership role for the city to manage equity initiatives. Hewitt steps into the office following a three-month vacancy after the retirement of the city's inaugural director.

The office operates with an annual budget of approximately $3.3 million and oversees a team of six employees. The director role remained vacant for three months following the departure of the office's inaugural director in August 2026.

The players

Amber Hewitt

She is the newly appointed director of racial and social equity for San Jose who previously worked in Washington, D.C.

Zulma Maciel

She served as the inaugural director of the San Jose racial and social equity office until her retirement in August 2026.

Angel Rios

He is the Deputy City Manager who served as the interim director of the office during the three-month vacancy.

The details

Amber Hewitt was formally introduced to the public during a recent San Jose City Council meeting. She joins the city after previously serving as the chief equity officer in Washington, D.C., and holds a PhD in counseling psychology.

August 2026: Zulma Maciel retired as the inaugural director.
October 6, 2026: Amber Hewitt was introduced at the City Council meeting.
October 25, 2026: Amber Hewitt officially begins the director job.

Market Landscape

This appointment maintains the continuity of local government administrative functions within the city's equity framework. The role's structure ensures that institutional goals regarding social policy persist despite transitions in departmental leadership.

Residents can expect the new director to oversee the continued implementation of social and racial equity programs that utilize the $3.3 million annual budget. The transition ensures that the six-person team remains supported as they manage ongoing city equity initiatives.

The takeaway

The appointment fills a critical leadership gap that had persisted since August 2026. This move highlights the city's ongoing commitment to managing its dedicated equity department through professional recruitment.