Garfield County has hired a new director of human resources, Diane Hayes, who is slated to begin Sept. 8.

Hayes has 20 years of human resource management experience on the East Coast, and is currently wrapping up seven years as human resources director at the Vermont Law School. She will be replacing Katherine Ross, who stepped down from the Garfield County HR position this spring.

“It has been my long-term dream to live in Colorado,” Hayes said in a news release issued by the county. “I have visited the state for many years, and been struck by how happy people are there.”

In her current role, Hayes oversees all human resources, legal compliance and payroll activities for Vermont Law School, directing employee relations, policy interpretation, talent management, compensation and benefits, training and development, and diversity.

She previously worked as “vice president of people and culture” at Grand Circle Travel Corp. in Boston. She said she sought the job because the title reflected an emphasis on people and culture — a nontraditional approach to human resources.

Hayes has also managed human resources at other New England companies, including the athletic shoe company Saucony.

She also worked as a labor and employment attorney for one of New Hampshire’s largest law firms, Sheehan, Phinney, Bass and Green in Manchester, New Hampshire, and holds a master’s of business administration degree.

“Diane was the winner out of a competitive field,” said Garfield County Manager Andrew Gorgey, who led the search.

Hayes said that in her off time, she enjoys downhill skiing, hiking, playing softball, travel and reading.