The County of Tulare proudly honors Samantha Franks for reaching an extraordinary milestone—35 years of dedicated public service. Known for her deep expertise, collaborative spirit, and steadfast commitment to excellence, Samantha's career has been marked by growth, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to the communities she serves.
Samantha began her career on October 9, 1989, at the Tulare County Assessor’s Office. Initially performing general office work, she soon advanced to the role of Legal Document Examiner I.
During her time at the Assessor’s Office, Samantha mastered a broad scope of property-related expertise, including title vestings, property transfers, tax base values under Proposition 13, and the distinction between market and taxable value. These early years shaped her ability to navigate complex legal and tax documentation with clarity and precision.
On August 5, 2005, Samantha transitioned to the Resource Management Agency (RMA) as a Planner I in the Code Compliance Department. A year later, she joined the Project Processing Department, where she gained invaluable experience and was promoted to Planner II in 2008. Her tenure included work on several high-profile and complex projects, such as the Living Word Church, Lindy’s Landing, and the Etchegaray and Bosman Dairy developments. These projects, many of which involved environmental reviews, technical studies, and Board of Supervisors hearings, cemented her role as a trusted and capable planner.
By 2009, Samantha was splitting her time between project processing and the Permit Center, where she transitioned to a full-time role in 2011. In May 2015, she was promoted to Planner III, and by 2021, she had reached the rank of Planner IV. One of her proudest achievements during this time was helping to develop and launch the Permit Center’s Zone Phone/Email system, significantly improving efficiency and customer service.
Today, Samantha serves in a supervisory and managerial role at the Permit Center, where she provides expert guidance on zoning, land use, and building permits. She is a mentor to many, and watching her colleagues grow into skilled, confident professionals remains one of the most fulfilling parts of her work.
Samantha is known not only for her technical knowledge but also for her thoughtful, people-first approach. Whether training new staff, solving complex issues, or supporting the public, she leads with integrity, kindness, and a commitment to service.
As she reflects on her 35-year career, Samantha remains enthusiastic about continued growth and contribution. Her advice to new employees is simple but powerful: be open to learning, seek mentorship, take initiative, and always serve with integrity and kindness.
Congratulations to Samantha Franks on 35 years of outstanding service. Her legacy of excellence, mentorship, and public service continues to inspire those around her.