Robert Sherry was promoted to director of Sacramento Department of Planning and Community Development in January 2003. He has been a professional Planner for Sacramento County since 1977, moving up the ranks from an entry level planner to the position he now holds.  In the mid 70’s he started with Sacramento County as an intern after graduating from the University of Davis with one of their first degrees in Environmental Planning and Management.  His first assignment was to rewrite the County’s Zoning Code, and in 1985 authored the American River Parkway Plan.  He was instrumental in creating the Urban Services Boundary in the 1993 General Plan, which is a vital part of Sacramento’s long term master planning effort.
            Passionate about planning and sensible growth, Sherry prefers to work in partnership with the development communities and the public to preserve open spaces while enhancing the quality of life for the region.
            Prior to working for Sacramento County, he worked for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.  However, he decided early in his professional career that he wanted to work in local government.
            Born May 11, 1954 and a lifelong Sacramento resident, he is actively involved in his local community and neighborhood.  Sherry resides in one of Sacramento’s older neighborhoods and enjoys backpacking and camping with his family as well as home restoration and riding his Harley.