The Santa Rosa City Council has selected Lori Ann Farrell as Interim City Manager after Maraskeshia Smith’s departure. The Council will consider her contract on December 2, 2025. Farrell is expected to start on January 2, 2026. Mayor Mark Stapp noted Farrell’s experience in municipal government and city operations.
Farrell has more than 35 years of experience in municipal government and finance. She was most recently City Manager for Costa Mesa, overseeing eight departments and over 600 employees. During her time there, she increased the city’s General Fund and reserves and secured grants for parks and open spaces.
In Costa Mesa, Farrell also led negotiations with the Las Vegas Raiders, which resulted in local sports investments and economic benefits for businesses. Before Costa Mesa, she worked for the City of Huntington Beach as Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, managing the city’s budget and helping to grow its reserves…