Orinda City Clerk Sheri Smith is stepping down after more than a decade in the role. Residents can send her off at a public reception on Tuesday, Sept. 15.
The city is hosting the reception at 8:30 p.m. at 26 Orinda Way, following the 7 p.m. City Council meeting at the same location. The city announced Smith's retirement on its website on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
In its announcement, the city described Smith as a steady and familiar presence in the community who helped guide city processes and served Orinda residents with care and commitment. City records show Smith in the clerk role as early as September 2016, though her exact start date has not been confirmed publicly.
The city has named Smith's successor. Joelle Fockler was introduced as the new city clerk at the Sept. 1 City Council meeting, according to the meeting agenda. Fockler brings more than 20 years of municipal government experience, including over 12 years as city clerk for the City of Concord. She also served as deputy city clerk for both Concord and Walnut Creek.
Fockler holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in public administration from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She served as second vice president of the City Clerks Association of California from 2021 to 2022.
The transition means Orinda's clerk office will go from a decade of continuity under Smith to a successor with deep experience across multiple East Bay cities.
Residents who plan to attend the Sept. 15 reception should RSVP to City Manager Linda Smith at [email protected].
What's ahead in Lamorinda
- Tuesday, Sept. 15: Orinda City Council meeting, 7 p.m., followed by Sheri Smith's retirement reception at 8:30 p.m., 26 Orinda Way.
