Sheri Smith, who came to Orinda as Sheri Spediacci in September 2016, is retiring after 10 years of service as City Clerk. City Manager Linda Smith has announced the appointment of Joelle Fockler as Orinda’s next City Clerk. A public reception will be held at the Sept. 15 Orinda City Council meeting to honor and acknowledge Sheri Smith’s service.

    “Sheri has dedicated her career to public service and has been an invaluable part of the City of Orinda,” according to the city manager. “Her professionalism, institutional knowledge, and commitment to transparency have helped ensure that some of the city’s most important democratic and legislative processes are carried out with care and integrity. We are grateful for her many years of service to Orinda and wish her all the best in her retirement.”

    Smith, who married during her tenure, has overseen municipal elections; supported City Council meetings and legislative processes; served as custodian of official city records; and ensured compliance with federal, state, and local requirements governing municipal operations, playing an important role the city’s democratic and legislative processes.

    The outgoing city clerk said of her time in Orinda, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the City of Orinda and its residents over the past 10 years. While the role of City Clerk involves complex laws, regulations, and deadlines, the most rewarding part of my career has always been serving the public. 

    “It has been a privilege to help people feel welcomed, respected, and better informed about their local government, and knowing I made a positive difference in their experience has been the most meaningful part of my service.”

    Incoming City Clerk Joelle Fockler brings more than 30 years of municipal government experience to the role, including over 12 years with the City of Concord, where she has served as City Clerk since 2014. Prior to becoming City Clerk, she served as Concord’s Deputy City Clerk and Administrative Assistant. She also previously served as Deputy City Clerk for the City of Walnut Creek.

    She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, which she obtained at the age of 50, after many years of on-the-job learning. Fockler has also served in leadership with the City Clerks Association of California, including as second vice president from 2021 to 2022.

    Part of her training included a Nuts & Bolts seminar – an entry-level training program offered four times a year by the California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) for new and aspiring municipal clerks.  Fockler is now one of the trainers who presents the seminar.

    In an interview with  Lamorinda Weekly, Fockler noted that during her 12 years as Concord City Clerk she has experienced the city districting and then re-districting, worked to implement a homeless strategic plan and rent stabilization. She worked with three master developers (two of whom were fired), and was working for Concord during the redevelopment of the Concord Naval Weapons Station, which is planned to be a sustainable mixed-use community on the 2,275-acre site with some 30,000 residents.

    City Manager Smith said that Fockler “brings extensive experience and a strong understanding of the responsibilities of the City Clerk’s office. Her background in municipal government and her years of service as a City Clerk in a neighboring community will provide valuable continuity and expertise as she steps into this important role.” Fockler began her employment with the city on Aug. 31 and will overlap for the outgoing city clerk for a period of time.