Janet Smith Represents District 8

January 18, 2018

At the November 2017 board of directors meeting, Janet Smith was named as the District 8 representative for the OML board.

Janet has served as City Manager of Crescent since 2015, and is well-known as an energetic leader, dedicated to improving the public trust through transparency, diplomacy, and fiscal responsibility. She is highly analytical, but brings a personal and positive perspective to complex issues, personnel matters, and organizational change. She has worked comprehensively to develop new policies and procedures for each department, thus ensuring the highest level of productivity and efficiency. Assisting in this effort is the open-door policy that she exercises, while working to develop a self-confident work force where professional efforts are valued and appreciated.

Presently, Janet is overseeing infrastructure improvements to replace old water lines for the city, directing the Safe Routes to Schools sidewalk project, installing the City’s first splash pad at the City Park, and is working on a Master Plan for future development and land use. She prioritizes financial solvency, yet has found a way to assist in revitalizing downtown business growth and development. With the creation of the “Main Street Beautification” façade rebate, business owners are encouraged to update and beautify their storefronts, and are then “rebated” a monetary amount from the City upon successful application and approval of design and concept.

Prior to her time in Crescent, she served as Assistant to the City Manager in Ponca City, where she gained day to day experience with Craig Stephenson, City Manager. Involved in matters related to fiscal oversight and budgeting, strategic planning and infrastructure development, and other essential service related matters. This allowed her to benefit from a phenomenal perspective of mid-sized city government, while developing an extensive network of peers across the state.

Her academic background includes a Master of Public Administration from UCO in 2017. While pursuing her Master’s degree, she gained recognition as the prestigious “Carl Reherman City Management Intern” with the City of Edmond.

Her high level academic achievement has been recognized by Gamma Beta Phi, the National Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Iota, and Pi Alpha Alpha, where she served as the founding Vice-President. Currently, she is President-elect for the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).