The city of Joliet has hired Elizabeth Coronado Abrego as its new human resources director.

Abrego was hired at a salary of $165,000.

She replaces Kathy Franson, who recently retired.

Abrego has more than 20 years of experience in human resources management, most recently working 11 years with the city of Aurora, according to a city news release issued Wednesday to announce her hiring.

She was director of human resources in Aurora.

Abrego will start in Joliet on Nov. 24.

“Elizabeth’s extensive background in HR leadership, combined with her service as a military veteran and more than a decade of municipal HR experience in Aurora, makes her an outstanding choice to lead our human resources department,” City Manager Beth Beatty said in the release.

Abrego said that her “vision is to strengthen government transparency, modernize our practices through the efficient use of technology, and create a people-centered HR department that empowers employees to thrive.”