Stockton Deputy City Manager Maraskeshia Smith is set to become the next city manager of Santa Rosa. Smith was named to the position Friday pending a vote by the city council. She will become the first African American city manager in Santa Rosa’s history when she takes over Jan. 3.
Smith was chosen after a nationwide search to replace Sean McGlynn, who now works for Escondido. Jeff Kolin has been serving as interim city manager.
“I am very excited for Ms. Smith to be Santa Rosa’s new city manager. Not only is she exceptionally qualified, but she also has a proven track record of lifting others up through mentorship and public service. Ms. Smith will be a tremendous addition to our city and to our community,” said Mayor Chris Rogers in a statement.
Smith has been with Stockton since May 2020 and has over 20 years of experience in local government. She was previously Assistant City Administrator for the City of Oakland, where she led efforts on homelessness and housing, land use, and economic development. For nearly a decade prior, she led the Department of Public Works in Cincinnati, Ohio. She holds an MBA from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Kentucky.