The City of Orinda hired a new city manager, Linda Smith, whose first day on the job will be Oct. 14.
While Oct. 14 will be Orinda’s City Manager Linda Smith’s first day on the job, it’s certainly not the first time she’s managed a city before.
However, not all cities are alike.
“I expect working for Orinda will be much different than working in Dublin,” said Smith, who has managed Dublin since 2019. “In Dublin, my focus was on community expansion, building lots of new facilities and creating experiences that didn’t previously exist. In Orinda, I expect the work to be more in reinvestment in the community and its existing assets. From what I know, the community is very proud of its small-town character and charm and I hope I can help support that in my daily work.”
A Dublin resident for the last 10 years, Smith, who also worked for the cities of Brentwood and Tracy in economic development roles, said the role of city manager has universal responsibilities – many of which she’ll apply in Orinda.
“I will be focused on delivering on the City Council’s policy priorities, supporting the staff and ensuring that the day-to-day operations continue as they should,” she said.
Smith is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.
“Orinda is and continues to be a well-managed city, so I don’t expect to come in and make any major changes. I will be working closely with the City Council to execute their priorities. And I will also work closely with the staff to better understand any areas that need to be addressed,” she said.
Smith grew up in San Leandro and attended schools in the San Lorenzo Unified School District. After graduating Arroyo High School she attended San Jose State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in political science.
“I knew one day that I would work in government,” she said.
With three kids, one biological and two “bonus,” Smith said her family is collectively going through many changes.
“My family is very supportive of this change,” said Smith. “In fact, all the members of my household are going through changes at the same time. My husband started a new position as an assistant principal and my son left us to attend college. Typically, change can be stressful, but there’s literally so much going on that we are just rolling with it.”
She thanks her husband and family for their full support.
“My husband is the most supportive husband I could ask for,” she said. “He’s had a front seat for my entire tenure as [Dublin] city manager. I’ve been able to lean on him over the last five years through some tough times. I hope that he feels as supported as I have felt over these years.”
Working with Orinda’s outgoing city manager, David Biggs, Smith said he’s been gracious and communicative ever since the announcement. “We plan to work closely together on the transition to ensure a smooth hand-off,” she said.
When she’s not working, she’s out hitting a ball on the courts or hosting dinners.
“Over the past year, my husband and I started playing pickleball and we take every opportunity to play. It’s kind of an obsession at this point,” she said. “When we are not playing pickleball, we are hosting dinners at our house. We love to cook and entertain our family and friends. We are both Italian and love to make homemade pasta, perfect our pizza-making skills, as well as try our hand at new dishes.”
Smith’s mantras in life are threefold.
“One: always say yes to new things, because you never know how that will change your life,” she said. “Two: during life’s challenges, ask ‘what is this time trying to teach me?’ Inevitably there’s a lesson there that you can build upon for your life. And third: get stuff done. At the office and at home. I always feel better when I accomplish things.”
Smith is happy to start making accomplishments in Orinda.
“I am really excited to be joining the Orinda team and becoming part of the community,” she said. “I look forward to serving with the great staff here. Orinda is a beautiful and engaged community and I look forward to working here!”
Next month, look for coverage on the new Police Chief at the City of Orinda, with Lt. Anthony (Tony) Rossi.
