Tumwater announces its choice for new City Administrator

Tumwater Mayor Debbie Sullivan announced Friday that Lisa Parks has been chosen to serve as the new Tumwater City Administrator.

Parks currently serves as the executive services director for the Port of Olympia. She has a bachelor’s degree in urban and regional planning from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, and she has more than 30 years of experience working with local governments.

She was one of five finalists for the job who met with the public in mid-April. She will replace John Doan, who is retiring as City Administrator after 13 years.

The City Council will vote on an employment contract at a special meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, a news release from the city said. Her initial employment contract is for three years, with a starting salary of $169,788 and a benefits package.

“We have many important initiatives underway in Tumwater, and with Lisa’s expertise and qualifications, we will seamlessly continue to make progress towards meeting our strategic goals,” Sullivan said in the news release. “We are very excited about this decision and believe Lisa is the right person for this job. ...”

“I am honored to be chosen by the Mayor and City Council for this important role, and I am excited to begin working with City staff and an engaged community,” Parks was quoted as saying in the news release. “I look forward to building on Tumwater’s strong foundation of success working with residents, businesses, and regional partners.”

Parks will take on her new role on June 16.

“The City Council and I want to thank John Doan and the Management Team for their leadership and service during the selection process and transition period,” Sullivan said in the news release.