HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/19/2011 03B Recognition of Retiring Human Resource Officer Sheryl Smith April 6, 2011
Mr. Richard A. Zais, Jr.
City Manager
129 N. Second Street
Yakima, WA 98901
Dear Dick,
This letter memorializes the discussions we have been having since last fall
regarding my retirement effective May 31, 2011. As you know, we are
expecting our second grandchild by mid April and this event has
significantly influenced the timing of my decision to retire.
I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation to
you for your support, mentorship and friendship over the 30 plus years we
have worked together. Our relationship has been very close over these
years, as we have weathered the organizational and political challenges for
local government during ever changing economic conditions. Equally
important to me has been our personal relationship weathering the
challenges of life together raising families, tending to our parents, the
marriage of our children and now the birth of grandchildren. Not many
people are as fortunate as I have been to experience the changes of adult
life with a consistent work family; I have been blessed to have you as part
of that family.
My 30 -year career with the City of Yakima has been most rewarding both
personally and professionally. Upon reflection, not too many people can
say they have done all the jobs in their work unit. My career began as a
part time Personnel Technician working up through the ranks concluding
as Human Resources Manager, a very significant personal accomplishment
for me. I am very proud to have served the Yakima community and the
City of Yakima through my professional endeavors. The Human
Resources Division has achieved many accomplishments over the years
through the hard work of our dedicated, long -term employees. I am also
very proud of the evolution of the team and the work they perform for City
staff and the community.
I place the highest value and have received the greatest satisfaction from
my personal relationships with the Human Resources staff and other City
employees. Like my relationship with you, these are friendships cherished
and I plan to maintain them into my retirement. I retire from the City of
Yakima thankful to have worked with so many talented individuals
dedicated to serving this community.
It has been my privilege and honor to serve you, the Council, City staff and
the citizens of Yakima. I wish you the best that life has to offer in your
upcoming marriage and retirement and I wish the very best that the future
may hold for my dear friends and colleagues in this outstanding
organization. May God bless you all.
S' erely,
eryl M�mit
Human -sources Manager