Dublin promotes fifth city manager in 42 years

DUBLIN — Dublin City Council is promoting Colleen Tribby to be its new city manager as her predecessor, Linda Smith, leaves the position to become the new city manager of Orinda.

Tribby, who currently serves as deputy city manager, was hired in April 2013 as director of the city’s administrative services department and oversees city finances and information technology, according to a news release.

In December 2019, Smith selected her to serve as deputy city manager, overseeing the departments of parks and community services, public works, finance, human resources and information technology.

The city will pay Tribby an annual salary of $358,652, which includes a monthly car allowance of $450, an annual technology allowance of $1,500 and $5,000 annually in deferred compensation. That’s slightly less than Smith was expected to earn this year. Under the city’s salary plan, Smith receives a salary of $365,340.

Tribby will become Dublin’s fifth city manager since its founding 42 years ago in 1982. She has a BA in Literature and Philosophy, graduating with distinction from Claremont McKenna College, and a Masters in Business from the European School of Economics in Italy. She has previous experience with Maximus, a Bay Area consulting firm, where she worked with local government.

“I am proud to call Dublin home and honored that Dublin City Council has chosen me as its next leader,” Tribby said in a press release. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this talented and dedicated team and help shape the future of our dynamic and diverse community.”

He is expected to take up his new position on October 11.

“We have full confidence in her ability to lead the team and take Dublin into the future,” Mayor Michael McCorriston said in a statement. “Her passion for the Dublin community is inspiring.

City spokeswoman Shari Jackson said it is common practice for an assistant city manager to be promoted to the city’s top job. The last four city managers have risen through the ranks of City Hall, including Smith, who replaced former City Manager Chris Foss in 2019 after he retired.

Smith, who joined Dublin as assistant to the city manager in 2009, will start a new job in Orinda next month.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the city for the past 15 years. This community, even in its growth phase, has retained its small-town connection and character,” Smith said in a news release. “I am proud of the team that serves this community and I know the great work will continue for the residents and businesses.”

Originally published: September 25, 2024 at 2:50 PM