News Summary
Newport Beach has appointed Lena Shumway as its new city clerk after the retirement of Leilani Brown. The City Council’s unanimous decision follows a thorough selection process. Shumway brings 15 years of experience in local government and will take on responsibilities, including record management and local elections. Mayor Joe Stapleton expressed confidence in her leadership, emphasizing a focus on transparency and efficiency in administrative functions. Shumway’s contract lasts for three years with an annual salary of $200,000, marking a significant leadership transition for the city.
Newport Beach has appointed Lena Shumway as its new city clerk following the retirement of Leilani Brown, who served in the position for several years. The Newport Beach City Council made the official appointment during a regular meeting held on October 14, marking a significant transition in the city’s administrative leadership.
Shumway’s recruitment comes after a thorough selection process that began after Brown announced her retirement in the spring of 2023. The city council unanimously approved Shumway’s contract during the meeting, and she officially assumed her responsibilities on the following Monday. Shumway’s contract is set for three years, lasting until December 2028, with an annual salary of approximately $200,000.
In her new role, Shumway will be tasked with numerous responsibilities, including acting as the custodian of city records, preparing agendas for city council meetings, overseeing local elections, and ensuring compliance with the California Public Records Act. Her extensive experience in local government, totaling 15 years, will likely serve her well in these duties.
Before her appointment in Newport Beach, Shumway held the position of city clerk and director of administrative services in the City of Commerce. She also served as an assistant city clerk in Lomita. Shumway possesses a master’s degree in political science with a focus on public administration, enhancing her qualifications for overseeing the city’s administrative functions.
Mayor Joe Stapleton expressed his confidence in Shumway’s ability to lead, highlighting her “wealth of experience and leadership” as well as her strong commitment to transparency in government operations. Community feedback has also been positive; Newport Beach resident Jim Mosher voiced support for the city council’s decision and extended thanks to interim city clerk Molly Perry for her service during the transitional period.
The unanimous vote by the city council, which passed with a 7-0 result, underscores the council members’ collective support for Shumway’s capabilities and vision for the role. Mayor Stapleton formally welcomed Shumway to the city clerk team during the meeting, signaling a new chapter in Newport Beach’s governance.
With Shumway taking over the city clerk position, the future administration of records and city operations in Newport Beach is expected to maintain a focus on transparency and efficiency, reflecting the council’s strategic priorities in local governance. The appointment also represents a commitment to continuity and stability in a vital administrative role that directly impacts the residents and operations of the city.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach City Clerk Appointment
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Orange County Register: Newport Beach Signature Collection Initiative
- Google Search: Newport Beach City Council
- Los Angeles Times: Newport Beach City Manager Appointment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport Beach
- What’s Up Newport: Newport City Council Meeting
- Google News: Newport Beach
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