Former Erie mayor to take over for retiring Smith as county's administration director

Erie County Director of Administration Doug Smith has announced his retirement after more than 20 years of service in county government.

Smith, who was appointed director of administration by Erie County Executive Brenton Davis in December 2021, and who previously served as county clerk for 19 years, will retire effective April 1, according to a county news release.

Former Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott, who currently serves as director of the Erie County Economic Development Department, has been appointed to take Smith’s place.

“I am extremely grateful to Brenton Davis for believing in me, and for this chance to serve during the first two years of his administration,” Smith stated in the news release. “It has been exhilarating to be on a team dedicated to making government better. My time in Erie County government has given me a true and valiant purpose.”

“I am also very thankful to the many members of Erie County Council with whom I worked, for allowing me to serve as their chief clerk for 19 years. I learned so much there and was given room to make mistakes and grow. There are so many people who helped me along the way, but I could not have succeeded without the love and support of my wife Regina and my four children.”

Davis stated in the release that Smith’s contributions to the county have been “invaluable” and that he leaves behind a legacy of “professionalism and excellence.”

“We are deeply grateful for his 20+ years of dedicated service, and he will be greatly missed," Davis stated.

Sinnott, who was a three-term Erie mayor before serving as city administrator of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, was appointed to lead Davis’ new economic development department in early 2023. His transition to director of administration, where he will now be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of county government, is a “testament to his capabilities and commitment to the community,” according to the news release.

“I am excited to continue in my efforts to benefit the people of this community and I thank County Executive Davis for offering me the opportunity to do so, in this new role,” Sinnott stated. “Executive Davis is dedicated to moving Erie County forward in a more efficient and effective manner and I believe my experience over the years can help him in this mission. I look forward to the challenge and will do my best for all of the citizens of Erie County.”

Smith appointed by Davis: Davis appoints County Clerk Doug Smith to administrator; attorney William Speros tapped as solicitor

Sinnott appointed by Davis: Former Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott hired as county economic development director

A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie County Director of Administration Doug Smith announces retirement