The City of Oakland has finally hired a replacement for the retired Assistant CAO, or City Administrative Officer , Claudia Cappio. She is Maraskeshia Smith.
According to the City of Oakland Oakland City Administrator Sabrina Landreth, who, on Monday June 4th, announced that she has appointed Maraskeshia Smith as her new Assistant City Administrator, (Ms. Smith) has more than 18 years of government experience with an emphasis in public works, organizational development, emergency operations, community engagement, and performance management. “Ms. Smith,” Landreth said, “most recently served as Director of Public Services for the City of Cincinnati, where she demonstrated great success working with the community, collaborating across multiple departments and organizations, increasing inclusion and diversity, and enhancing technology.”
“I am delighted that Ms. Smith is joining the City of Oakland team,” said City Administrator Landreth. “She understands the challenges cities face, and the importance of creating an environment of inclusion, respect, and trust. Most notably, she is recognized as a leader in performance management and data-driven decision making for tracking efficiency and effectiveness of frontline operations, improving service-level performance, and enhancing customer service.”
The City of Oakland explained that Ms. Smith has been recognized for contributing to neighborhood revitalization and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Some of her major achievements include: overseeing the design and construction of the only LEED Platinum and Net Zero Energy, 39,000 square-foot police station in the world; implementing the Capital Acceleration Plan; implementing the Fix It Cincy! App; restructuring the City’s Private Lot Abatement Program; and creating the Street Sweeping and Greenspace Master Plan. She strives to serve as a community agent for openness, collaboration, innovation, and transparency in government.
Ms. Smith holds an MBA from Eastern Kentucky University and a Bachelor’s from the University of Kentucky.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as Oakland’s next Assistant City Administrator and to join a dynamic team of professionals who are vested in making Oakland the great City it is,” said Ms. Smith. “I look forward to building strong relationships with the community and supporting our Administration as we work to provide efficient and equitable services to the residents of Oakland.”
Ms. Smith will begin work on Monday, July 16.