CITY OF FRESNO
___________________________________________ __________________________________________ JERRY P. DYER, Honorable Mayor TYLER MAXWELL, Council Vice President ____________________________________________ __________________________________________ NELSON ESPARZA, Council President ANNALISA PEREA, Councilmember, District 1
____________________________________________ __________________________________________ MIKE KARBASSI, Councilmember, District 2 MIGUEL ARIAS, Councilmember, District 3
____________________________________________ __________________________________________ BRANDON VANG, Councilmember, District 5 NICK RICHARDSON, Councilmember, District 6
Office of Councilmember Tyler Maxwell
Hereby Recognizes:
Dr. Jackie Ryle
WHEREAS, Dr. Jacqueline L. “Jackie” Ryle has dedicated nearly six decades to service, leadership, and community engagement, coming to Fresno in 1963 with a lifelong commitment to helping build a city that embraces and celebrates every person; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ryle made history as the first woman to serve as Fresno’s City Clerk, holding the position from 1966 to 1996 as the longest -serving City Clerk in the City’s history, and setting a lasting standard of excellence, professionalism, and integrity; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure, she expanded opportunities for City employees through tuition reimbursement , helped establish the Central California City Clerks Division of the League of California Cities as its inaugural president, and contributed her expertise to the International Institute of Municipal Clerks; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ryle also strengthened the City’s organizational effectiveness through her work coordinating the Human Resource and Organizational Development Program, while mentoring emerging leaders since 1976 and providing guidance and encouragement to hundreds of individuals; and
WHEREAS, a highly accomplished scholar and Certified Municipal Clerk, Dr. Ryle is widely recognized for her expertise in leadership, conflict resolution, and organizational development, with her impact extending through national and international facilitation, authorship, and graduate-level instruction; and
WHEREAS, her influence extends deeply into Fresno’s arts and community life as a writer, artist, and cultural leader, including her service as past president of the Cultural Arts Rotary Club and her 22 years hosting a local community affairs television program; and
WHEREAS, known for her vibrant energy and joyful spirit, Dr. Ryle brings people together, uplifts those around her, and remains a spirited and memorable presence at many community events and fundraisers; and
WHEREAS, she remains deeply rooted in Fresno, where she treasures time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren, Grace and Joseph, alongside her beloved companion, Baby Yoda; and
WHEREAS, through her enduring influence, Dr. Ryle has earned a lasting reputation as a respected and trusted figure in the Fresno community, paving the way for future generations of women in public service; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fresno proudly recognizes and honors Dr. Jacqueline L. “Jackie” Ryle for her historic leadership, her groundbreaking service as the City’s first female City Clerk, and her enduring contributions to civic life, organizational development, and the cultural vitality of the Fresno community.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that we, Mayor Jerry P. Dyer, and the Fresno City Council, do hereby proclaim Thursday, March 26, 2026 as:
“Dr. Jackie Ryle Day”
in the City of Fresno
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and affixed the Great Seal of the City of Fresno, California, this 26
th
day of March of the Year Two Thousand and Twenty-Six.