SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., November 7, 2025 –
The City of South San Francisco is proud to announce the selection of Laura Snideman as its next City Manager. A veteran municipal executive with over two decades of leadership across Northern California, Snideman brings a rare blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and deep regional insight to the role.
Her contract is scheduled for approval at the upcoming City Council meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Snideman will officially begin her tenure on January 5, 2026.
To ensure a seamless and successful leadership transition, outgoing City Manager Sharon Ranals will continue to serve through December 30, 2025. During this period, Ranals will support onboarding efforts and provide institutional knowledge to Snideman, allowing for a thoughtful orientation and continuity of operations. The City extends its sincere gratitude to Sharon for her decades of dedicated service, steady leadership, and lasting contributions to South San Francisco. This collaboration reflects the City’s commitment to stability, transparency, and excellence in public service.
Snideman most recently served as City Manager of Calistoga, where she led transformative initiatives including the development of a first-in-the-world microgrid clean energy system, the acquisition and revitalization planning of 70 acres of underutilized land, and the modernization of citywide IT infrastructure. She also launched Calistoga’s first Civic Operating Agreements and council onboarding programs, reinforcing her commitment to transparent governance and long-term fiscal sustainability.
Her prior leadership includes serving as City Manager of Richmond, where she guided the city through the COVID-19 pandemic, addressed a $30 million structural deficit, and implemented a new organizational structure with key department head appointments. As Assistant City Manager in Fairfield, she directed multiple departments, led the city’s first homelessness strategy, and recognized the value of a standout housing initiative, leading the effort to secure a League of California Cities award that honored the work of the team behind the project.
Snideman’s career began in San Mateo County, where she held roles in San Carlos, San Mateo, and Half Moon Bay. Her regional impact includes co-founding HEART of San Mateo County, a housing trust fund, and serving as Chair of the Silicon Valley Economic Development Association. She has led over a dozen senior-level recruitments, managed multimillion-dollar redevelopment portfolios, and designed civic experiences that foster economic vitality and community pride.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont, CA, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a graduate of the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy’s Executive Seminar, where she was awarded a full merit scholarship. Her professional affiliations include ICMA, CCMF, and MMANC, and she has served as a mentor and program leader in multiple regional leadership academies.
Mayor Eddie Flores shared his enthusiasm for the appointment, “Laura Snideman is a dynamic and values-driven leader who understands the power of local government to transform lives. Her deep Bay Area roots, strategic mindset, and commitment to inclusive excellence make her the right leader for this moment in South San Francisco’s journey. We’re honored to welcome her to our city.”
Snideman expressed her excitement about the opportunity, “I am honored and excited to serve as the next City Manager of South San Francisco, joining such a vibrant community with a rich history and bright future. Returning to the San Francisco Peninsula, where I began my local government career, makes this opportunity especially meaningful. I look forward to working collaboratively with the City Council, city staff, and our residents and businesses to build on the great work already underway. Together we can continue to advance South San Francisco as a thriving, inclusive, and innovative city.”
Laura Snideman’s appointment is pending final ratification of her employment contract, which will be considered at the regular City Council meeting on November 12, 2025.
The City of South San Francisco proudly remains The Industrial City, a reflection of its steel mill and ship building past, redefined to reflect the innovative, entrepreneurial, and industrious spirit which has made South San Francisco the Biotech Capital of the World, with 217 active biotech companies and growing. A vibrant community of 66,185 residents, South San Francisco enjoys a high quality of life with an extensive public parks system, active library and learning programming and a dynamic, engaged community making South San Francisco a great place to live, learn, work, and play.