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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
January 23,
2006
Contact:
PJ Callahan
Phone: (360) 337-4481
No. 06-03
Baker Announces Resignation from Kitsap County
PORT
ORCHARD, WA—Cindy Baker announced this past weekend that
she is stepping down as Director of Kitsap County’s Department of Community
Development (DCD).
In her
letter of resignation, Baker stated, “After careful thought and
consideration, I have arrived at the conclusion that it is in my best
interest to pursue other opportunities for professional growth and
development at this time.”
Baker
originally joined Kitsap County as Assistant Director in November 2003. She
was named Interim Director in April 2004, and was appointed on a permanent
basis in January 2005. During her tenure, she was recognized as Public
Official of the Year for 2004 by the Kitsap County Home Builders
Association.
Baker
brought a balanced perspective to the position, having worked in the private
sector for 13 years and the public sector for ten years. Previously, she
worked for King County and for several private engineering firms overseeing
their planning and environmental departments.
“Cindy has
done an excellent job of leading several major projects, including the
update to the Critical Areas Ordinance,” said Cris Gears, County
Administrator. “Another major project, the 10-year update to the county’s
comprehensive plan, is slated for completion this year, and her departure
leaves us with a big hole to fill at a critical time. The remaining
management team in DCD is blessed with talent and leadership. For the
immediate future, we will be working collaboratively to manage her tasks
until a replacement can be recruited and hired.”
The county
recently engaged the services of an Olympia-based consulting firm, Sage
Solutions LLC, to study DCD’s services, organization and workload. The
study, which is scheduled to be completed this spring, will measure customer
and employee satisfaction, recommend actions to increase staff retention and
provide solutions for strengthening service and developing the organization.
“While
Cindy’s unexpected departure has added another element to the management
study, we plan to take this opportunity to step back and reevaluate the
department’s functions and organization,” said Gears.
Until the
position can be permanently filled, Assistant DCD Director Jim Bolger will
handle day-to-day operations of the department, which has 82 full-time
employees and an annual operating budget of $7 million. Gears will provide
policy direction, guidance and logistical support to ensure that work on the
10-Year Comprehensive Plan update stays on track.
“The
department’s workload on high-profile land-use issues has taken a toll on
DCD staff and its leadership,” said Jan Angel, Chair of the Board of County
Commissioners. “Cindy gave it her all, and she really tried hard to keep us
moving in the right direction. She has played an important role at the
county, and we wish her the best of luck as she moves forward with her
career.”
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