The City of Newark has named Colleen Lettire as its next Communications and Public Engagement Manager following a competitive recruitment process. To support this effort, the City partnered with Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions (TSTS) to conduct candidate screening interviews and assist with evaluation.
Bringing more than 12 years of hands-on experience in city government, Colleen Lettire is stepping into the role with a track record of creativity and results. She previously served as the Communications Project Manager for the City of Half Moon Bay, where she built and scaled a digital engagement strategy that dramatically increased community reach across all platforms. From designing emergency response messaging during crises to coordinating public information programs, she brings a well-rounded skill set rooted in project management, content creation and community outreach, along with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Sonoma State University.
“Colleen brings a strong background in municipal communications and a creative, community-driven approach that will serve our City well. We’re excited to welcome her to the team and look forward to the impact she’ll make,” said Newark City Manager David J. Benoun. “This recruitment was an important one for us, and TSTS dove in and supported the candidate screening and evaluation process with care, insight and a clear understanding of what Newark needed. With their support, we were able to narrow down a competitive pool of candidates and move forward with confidence.”
TSTS Executive Recruiter Christine Martin led the candidate evaluation process, supported by Recruitment Coordinator Morgan Teruel and Assistant Recruitment Coordinator Sofia Gonzalez. The team reviewed more than 150 applications to identify individuals whose qualifications and experience aligned with the City’s priorities and organizational culture. From this pool, 15 candidates were selected for initial screening interviews, during which team TSTS assessed leadership style, technical expertise and overall fit for the role.
“Newark was looking for a communications professional who could lead with empathy, think strategically and communicate across a diverse and dynamic community,” said Christine. “Our approach focused on surfacing candidates who blended creativity with public sector experience, and who could shape the City’s voice with clarity and care.”
“It’s an honor to join the City of Newark and contribute to a team that values transparency, collaboration and community trust,” said Colleen. “I’m passionate about making government accessible and engaging, and I look forward to building strong relationships and amplifying the voices of Newark residents.”
