Thinking back through the most fraught, complex conversations we had in our community in 2020 and the years that followed, it’s worth remembering how incredibly it was that 18 local residents went through painstaking work of detailing and identifying the ways that we could make our community more welcoming to all.

And in the better late than never department, we wanted to highlight the role that Tammy Herndon, among many others, played in that process.

The City of Mill Valley hired Herndon in April to the position of Management Analyst I with a specialized focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). With an extensive background in community service and advocacy, Herndon brings a wealth of experience to her new role, poised to drive forward the City’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all community members.

She has an extensive resume of volunteer work, demonstrating her strong dedication to community service. From serving as the DEI Chair for the Mill Valley School District’s PTA Council and It Takes A Village – Special Education PTA, to her involvement with organizations like PAASS (Project Awareness and Special Sports) and MVFREE (Mill Valley Force for Racial Equity & Empowerment), Tammy has consistently demonstrated her commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and empowerment within the community.

In her new capacity as Management Analyst, Tammy will spearhead various initiatives aimed at advancing the City’s DEI objectives. Her responsibilities will include strategic engagement leadership, equity analysis and goal setting, community partnership development, promotion of diversity initiatives, communications and training, as well as accessibility and inclusion advocacy.

Commenting on Tammy’s appointment, City Manager Todd Cusimano expressed his admiration for her strengths as a community organizer and her extensive background in DEI work. “We are thrilled to welcome Tammy to the City of Mill Valley,” Cusimano said. “Her passion for advocacy and her deep-rooted commitment to diversity and inclusion make her the ideal person to help us achieve our DEI goals. We look forward to working with Tammy as we continue to foster a more inclusive and equitable community for all.”

Tammy, reflecting on her appointment, stated, “The strength of our community lies in our diversity, our equity, and our inclusion. When we invest in taking action and accountability, we value our differences, voices feel heard and our community builds a sense of belonging. I’m honored to join the City of Mill Valley team and look forward to working together to turn our shared vision into reality.”