Kelly Smith

Kelly Lobby Photo 2025Email: Ksmith@cityofchowchilla.org

Term Ends: December 2026

Kelly Smith is a third-generation Chowchilla resident; his children are the fourth, and his grandchildren are the fifth generation. Kelly was born in Madera, California, and lived in Chowchilla at an early age; his father's career had the family moving five times in fourteen years. The last move was returning to Chowchilla during his freshman year of High School. After graduating from Chowchilla High, Kelly attended Merced Junior College, where he studied Agricultural Science.

Using skills he had learned in High School, Kelly worked in construction as a welder for seven years. Wanting a job that would not require out-of-town travel, he accepted a job in 1983 with PepsiCo in Merced, California, not knowing this would begin a thirty-five-year career in Management of a Sales and Distribution Center.

In 1985, Kelly accepted a job with Laura Scudders Potato Chip Company in Stockton, California. During this time, he met his future wife, Wendy. They were married on June 16, 1990, and made their first home together in Galt, California. Kelly was recently promoted to distribution manager at the company's Sacramento branch.

They moved back to Chowchilla in 1995 to be closer to family and friends. Kelly recently retired as a Warehouse Manager II with the State of California. 

Over the years, Kelly has been an active community member, volunteering his services with many local organizations. He was heavily involved with the Chowchilla Little League Organization and Chowchilla Soccer. In his spare time, Kelly enjoys spending time with his family and friends, especially with the grandchildren.

Kelly views economic development, job creation, community safety, and strategic planning as paramount to Chowchilla’s future.

Chowchilla Government


Kelly Smith served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2023, Mayor in 2024, and the first Elected Mayor for a two-year term, 2025-2026.

He currently serves on the following committees:

Primary - Madera County RAN Board, Citizen's Prison Advisory Committee
Alternate – San Joaquin Valley Regional Early Action Planning Committee for Housing, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Citizens Advisory Board, Local Agency Formation Commission, Madera County Economic Dev Commission, and Executive Board.