City Engineer Bill Preston P.E. has been appointed to serve as Acting Community Development Director.
Preston began serving as acting director yesterday, Monday, March 18th, following his appointment by Interim City Manager Dave Zabell.
“Bill has been highly successful in his role of City Engineer and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Director position,” Zabell said. “Bill will be doing double duty during this time, also continuing to serve as City Engineer. I am appreciative and impressed with Bill’s willingness to step up and take on this important assignment, and have every confidence he will be successful.”
Joan Davenport retired after serving the City for nearly 37 years, including the past 10 years as Community Development Director. Her last day with the City was Friday, March 15th.
“Joan’s departure means a lot of experience and knowledge overseeing a department with highly technical and varied responsibilities has left with her,” Zabell said. “Fortunately, we have an impressive workforce with some very accomplished staff who can step in and keep the department on track and moving forward.”
During its meeting on March 5th, the Yakima City Council authorized Zabell to execute a contract with GMP Consultants for the recruitment of a new Community Development Director.
Click Community Development (yakimawa.gov) for more about the City of Yakima Community Development Department.