MiraCosta is pleased to introduce and welcome back Hayley Schwartzkopf, as the new Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Human Resources.

Schwartzkopf brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished record of leadership. Since February 2024, she served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights Programming and Services at the Chancellor’s Office for the California State University system. Prior to her role at the CSU, she held the position as the Director of Labor Relations & Title IX Coordinator for seven years at MiraCosta College. In that role, Schwartzkopf expanded her responsibilities from labor and employee relations and civil rights compliance to leading the Human Resources Department, where she oversaw all aspects of HR operations including leaves, benefits, retirement, EEO, recruitment, classification and compensation, employee engagement, and HRIS systems. Her extensive expertise in labor, employment, and compliance matters at both the state and federal levels and her training as a mediator ensures that she is exceptionally well-prepared for this new leadership position.

We are thrilled to welcome Hayley back to our leadership team,” explains Superintendent/President Sunita “Sunny” Cooke. “Her exceptional expertise in civil rights programming, labor relations, and legal compliance, her proven leadership skills, and her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment makes her the ideal choice to lead our Human Resources division. We look forward to her innovative contributions and building on our tradition of excellence."

Before her tenure at MiraCosta College, Schwartzkopf built her reputation as a litigation attorney, representing employees and employers in complex labor and employment cases. Schwartzkopf graduated summa cum laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, where she also served as Executive Editor for the Thomas Jefferson Law Review and was an active member of the Executive Board for the National Conference of Law Reviews. Schwartzkopf earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women Studies from Ohio State University and is admitted to practice law in California, as well as before the United States District Courts for the Southern, Central, Northern, and Eastern Districts of California and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Schwartzkopf’s appointment reinforces MiraCosta College’s dedication to advancing fair employment practices and ensuring that policies and programs are accessible for all. Under her leadership, the Human Resources division will continue to focus on recruiting, retaining, and developing world-class employees dedicated to serving our students and advancing our mission. By fostering a culture of excellence, inclusivity, and professional growth, MiraCosta remains committed to building a workforce that enhances student success and strengthens the community.