Sheila Cumberland, who is serving as finance director and the deputy city manager of the city of Ceres, is retiring on Nov. 7, leaving some big shoes to be filled.
"That's a tough blow to have her leave," said Ceres City Councilmember Ken Lane. "Her numbers are always on the conservative side and we always end up with more. She's going to be missed."
City Manager Toby Wells is recruiting to fill the position at the same time he is seeking out someone to replace him as city engineer. Wells was promoted to city manager while serving as city engineer and Public Works director.
Cumberland has served a total of 15 years with the city. She was hired as finance director by then City Manager Gary Napper on Nov. 4, 1996, replacing Carlos Sanchez. She left in 2006 after the departure of Tim Kerr as city manager to work for the city of Turlock. She returned to Ceres in 2009 when the city of Turlock issued her a lay-off notice.
A native of Woodland Hills who also grew up in Denair, Cumberland earned her bachelor of science degree from Cal State Stanislaus in 1986, serving a while as the Patterson finance director prior to becoming finance director of Calabasas from 1992 to 1996.
As finance director, Cumberland has overseen city water and sewer bills and business license fees. She has also been responsible for the paying of bills, tracking revenue, financial accounting and city investments.