First female director brings 20 years of City service to her hometown of San Leandro
San Leandro City Manager Fran Robustelli appointed Ms. Sheila Marquises as the next Engineering and Transportation Director. The San Leandro High School Alumna is the first woman and first woman of color to hold the Director position in the City of San Leandro. Ms. Marquises brings two decades of local government experience in California, from the County of Los Angeles, City of Glendale, and City of Fremont, to this executive-level role.
Ms. Marquises was born in the Philippines, immigrated to the United States at eight years old, and settled in the City of San Leandro. Born to a working single mom, Ms. Marquises resided in 4 areas of the city and attended Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Bancroft Middle, and San Leandro High schools. She felt the early calling in civic life and engaged in community service through the school district’s Interact Club, a club for young people to address issues that deeply affect the community.
In 2020, Ms. Marquises joined the City of San Leandro as a Principal Engineer, managing the functions of the transportation and land development divisions. Her passion for collaboration is evident in the multi-agency and regional teams she continues to form to respond to community needs. In the near term, her goal is to deliver high-priority projects, improve City processes and procedures, and create and maintain a culture of inclusion and innovation.
“It is a pleasure to appoint Sheila to the Engineering and Transportation Director role,” stated City Manager Fran Robustelli. “Sheila is an innovator whose technical skills, empathy, and passion for collaboration are perfect for leading our Engineering and Transportation Department. Ms. Marquises filled the vacancy created by former Engineering and Transportation Director Keith Cooke after his retirement in December 2021. As Engineering and Transportation Director, Ms. Marquises will be responsible for designing and implementing the City’s Capital Improvement Program, overseeing subdivisions, private development projects, and the safe and efficient movement of people and goods on the City’s transportation network.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve my hometown as a Director as we commence the celebration of our Sesquicentennial year. I am committed to making San Leandro a better place to live, work, and play today and for the next 150 years,” stated Sheila Marquises.
Ms. Marquises received her BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MPA from Arkansas State University. She is a licensed professional civil and traffic engineer in California.