City Hall Staff

MITCH ENGLANDER-CHIEF OF STAFF
As the Chief of Staff, Mitch has the responsibility of managing all operations of the Council office. In addition, he oversees all legislative and policy matters, media relations, and administrative functions. In addition, he is the Councilman’s liaison to the Mayor’s office and the City’s proprietary departments – the Department of Water and Power, Los Angeles World Airports and the Harbor

JOHN S. LEE-CHIEF LEGISLATIVE DEPUTY
John oversees legislative matters, staffs the Councilman on the Public Works Committee, and handles special projects in the district. He is responsible for monitoring proposition and bond monies as well as other funding opportunities for the Council District.

NICOLE BERNSON – SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR
Nicole is the point person for RENEW LA and staffs the Councilman on its Ad Hoc Committee, as well as the Budget and Finance Committee. She oversees environmental issues, including waste reduction, resource recovery, renewable energy, and air and water quality. She also monitors State and Federal legislation and regulation policy.

PHYLLIS WINGER – CHIEF PLANNING DEPUTY
Phyllis is the Councilman's Deputy for planning and land use and development issues. She also has responsibility for the airport master plans, community redevelopment, housing, PLUM committee, the Southern California Association of Governments and the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFC).

DOUG TRIPP – LEGISLATIVE DEPUTY
Doug is responsible for briefing the Councilman on important district and citywide Council agenda items and issues as well as preparing and submitting motions. He staffs the Councilman on the Public Safety Committee and covers various committees including Commerce, Energy and Natural Resources, Intergovernmental Relations, and Personnel. He also monitors and researches state and federal legislation.

MATT MYERHOFF- COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Matt is in charge of all communications from the Council office including media outreach, media monitoring, newsletters, press releases and advisories, and maintaining media files.

BRENTON TESLER – COUNCIL AIDE
Brenton assists the Councilman during Council Meetings and is responsible for monitoring and researching legislation. In addition Brenton is responsible for coordination of district events and handles outbound electronic mass communications with constituents. He also oversees the Twelfth District Legislation Log.

CINDY VARELA – EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
As the Councilman’s Executive Assistant, Cindy’s primary role is handling the Councilman’s schedule. In addition, she supervises the clerical staff and performs clerical functions.

ALEXIS MARIN – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Alexis is the first person you will speak with when calling the City Hall office. She is also the Chief of Staff's assistant and handles all incoming mail.

MARIA REYES – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Maria handles special recognition certificates, the flow of all office correspondence, and request for youth and senior busses. She assists the front office and legislative staff.

Northridge Staff

SANDY CLYDESDALE – DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Sandy is the District Director, responsible for the field staff and district operations. She oversees Building and Safety, Public Works (Engineering, Street Lighting, Street Services and Contract Administration), Wastewater Management, Storm Drains and the Health Department. She also handles issues related to the Department of Water and Power and all other utilities. Sandy serves on the board of PALS (Police Activities League Supporters).

HANNAH LEE – ASSOCIATE PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION DEPUTY
Hannah staffs the Councilman on the Transportation Committee and all transportation related legislation. She handles issues related to housing and assists the Chief Planning Deputy on planning and land use matters.

JEANNINE ENGELHARDT – DISTRICT OFFICE SECRETARY
Jeannine is the first person you talk to when you call Councilman Smith’s Northridge office. She will connect you with the appropriate staff members and answer questions you may have.

Chatsworth Staff

JIM DELLINGER – FIELD DEPUTY
Jim oversees local Police and Fire matters. He works with the LAPD senior Lead Officers, monitors Neighborhood Watch meetings and assists them with service needs. He also covers DOT issues such as parking enforcement, abandoned vehicles speed humps, signals and street signs.

JOHN BWARIE – DEPUTY DISTRICT DIRECTOR
As an expert in community service and the San Fernando Valley, John is the liaison to the community and community organizations. He works directly with Neighborhood Councils, Residents Associations, all Chambers of Commerce, Business Improvement Districts, Schools (public & private), CSUN, and service groups. John also represents the Councilman to Valley wide community groups like the United Chambers of Commerce, VICA, and the Economic Alliance of the SFV.

MEGAN COTTIER - FIELD DEPUTY
Megan Cottier is the field deputy that oversees special projects and community events in the 12th District. Megan also assists with equestrian and park-related issues.