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Agency honors long-serving counsel Andrea Clark as she departs Downey Brand
Summary
Board and staff recognized longtime agency counsel Andrea Clark (Downey Brand) at the April meeting; the board read a resolution thanking her for 15 years of service and presented gifts. Staff said Brian Hamilton (Downey Brand) will attend future meetings and that Scott Shapiro will continue to help on weekly matters.
The board recognized agency counsel Andrea Clark of the law firm Downey Brand and presented a resolution and gifts marking her departure from the firm and the agency role.
At the April 9 meeting Michael Bessette and other board members read a resolution summarizing Clark's work for the agency since Downey Brand was retained as general counsel in 2008. The resolution cited Clark's role advising on compliance with the Brown Act, public contracting, historic-preservation and environmental law (including CEQA), and conflict-of-interest evaluations. It noted Clark worked with successive executive directors and that the board and staff valued her counsel.
The board read the resolution into the public record, thanked Clark and presented a travel mug and other acknowledgements. Bessette and several board members praised her years of service; Clark thanked the board and staff. The meeting also included personnel notes about future legal coverage: Brian Hamilton of Downey Brand was introduced as attending counsel for future board meetings, and agency counsel Scott Shapiro "will continue to participate in our weekly staff meetings and helping guide the agency." Staff said they are resolving conflicts that limit Shapiro's attendance so he can participate more directly in future meetings.
Why it matters: long-term legal counsel continuity can affect administrative, contracting and compliance work for an agency that frequently coordinates with state and federal partners. The board's public resolution records institutional appreciation and indicates planned continuity for legal support.
What the board said - Multiple board members and the executive director praised Clark's service and noted significant topics she advised on over her tenure. - The board read a formal resolution of appreciation and presented Clark with small gifts and remarks.
Next steps Staff said Brian Hamilton (Downey Brand) will attend future board meetings as counsel and Scott Shapiro will continue to advise the agency on an ongoing basis. No formal personnel action was taken at the meeting; the recognition was ceremonial and informational.
