‘A deep belief in people’: Concord honors Chantel Thompson with city’s highest employee award

The human resources director was recognized for 16 years of leadership and a commitment to serving coworkers and the community.

Concord Human Resources Director Chantel Thompson was recognized last week as the 2026 recipient of the Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values Award. Photo courtesy of City of Concord.

This story was adapted from a City of Concord news release.

Concord Human Resources Director Chantel Thompson has spent much of her life serving the community she calls home.

Now, after 16 years with the City of Concord, that service has earned her the city’s highest employee honor.

Thompson was named the 2026 recipient of the Jo Atwater Continuous Core Values Award, which annually recognizes a city employee who exemplifies Concord’s core values of accountability, communication and teamwork while demonstrating an exceptional commitment to serving others.