Sebastopol introduces Emmy Theriot as new community development director as staff change looms

Emmy Theriot was introduced to the Sebastopol Public Arts Committee as the city’s new community development director, staff said, noting she began work the previous Wednesday and will serve full time.

At the meeting, Theriot told the committee she was “excited about this committee and working with you folks,” and described a history of public-art work in Emeryville and other cities. She framed her approach in part around integrating art into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) programs and public spaces to energize creativity.

Staff also announced that Susie (last name not provided in the transcript) will be departing the city for a position with the City of Manteca, with her last day scheduled for tomorrow. Committee members agreed to rely on temporary support in the near term; staff said they will copy the incoming director on handover emails and ensure outstanding items such as web updates and vendor paperwork are completed.

Why it matters: Theriot’s appointment places the community-development office directly involved with public-art programming, and the committee flagged continuity tasks — from invoicing artists to updating the public-art web pages — that staff must complete during the transition. The committee also asked staff to make sure invitations and promotional materials for upcoming openings are routed correctly during the staffing change.

The committee did not set a hiring timetable beyond using a temporary coverage approach and said they expect to follow regular hiring procedures for a permanent replacement if needed.