Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker announced today that Gary Ballew has been selected to fill the position of assistant city manager.
“Gary brings to the City a wealth of experience,” said Baker. “He has been instrumental in guiding significant economic development initiatives from concept to success,” said Baker. “I’m confident Gary will help Yakima address some of the issues we are facing today as well as building a vibrant future.”
“I’m thrilled to join the City of Yakima team and be part of the great work happening here,” said Ballew. “Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building strong economies that create opportunities and improve the lives of the people in our communities. I can’t wait to bring that experience to Yakima,” said Ballew. “This city has so much potential, and I look forward to working with the team, local businesses, partner organizations and the community to keep moving Yakima forward.”
From 2000 to 2006, Ballew served as deputy county administrator/sustainable development manager for Benton County. In 2006, he became economic development manager for the City of Richland. From 2013 to 2015, Ballew led the Wine Science Center Development Authority in Richland as its executive director. He spent seven years as the Port of Pasco’s director of economic development and marketing before joining Greater Spokane, Inc. in 2020 as vice president of economic development.
Ballew earned a bachelor of arts degree in hotel and restaurant administration from Washington State University in 1988. In 1994, he earned a bachelor of science degree from WSU in civil and environmental engineering. Ballew also holds a master of science degree in environmental engineering from WSU.
Ballew is a board member for the Washington Economic Development Association and sits on the board of the State of Washington Tourism. Additionally, he is a member of the International Economic Development Council and serves on the board of the Spokane Workforce Development Council.
As assistant city manager, Ballew will be responsible for working closely with the city manager on a variety of issues and will specifically oversee strategic projects related to economic development and infrastructure.
Ballew’s first day on the job will be March 17th.
