Ogden honors long‑time council director Janine Eller Smith with Compass Award and key to the city

The Ogden City Council presented longtime council office executive director Janine Eller Smith with the Compass Award and a proclamation naming her recipient of the key to the city during its Feb. 17 meeting.

Deputy Mayor Benjamin K. Nadalski’s proclamation, read to the council, outlined Janine Eller Smith’s nearly three decades of service, including roles in fleet and facilities, policy analysis, deputy director, and later executive director of the council office. The proclamation credited her with launching programs and processes such as an audit committee, a fraud hotline, a five‑year strategic plan, the youth council, neighbor‑up grants, a sustainability committee, sister‑city ties, and modernization of council operations.

Janine accepted the recognition and told the council she did not expect the honor, reiterated her appreciation for the staff she hired, and described public service as a ‘‘light bulb’’ career moment that led to a joint Master of Public Administration and Juris Doctor degree and later work as a prosecutor before returning to municipal government. A prerecorded video message from former council member Angela Chiburkin and remarks from other former and current council members highlighted Janine’s mentorship and steady leadership.

The council observed the recognition and then proceeded to regular business including approval of minutes and consideration of land‑use items.