Gig Harbor suddenly appoints interim city administrator, will start new search process
Gig Harbor’s new city administrator has resigned due to an unexpected illness, according to a city news release.
The city appointed Linda Kelly to the position in March after an extensive interview process. She resigned May 16.
Mayor Tracie Markley has named Katrina Knutson interim city administrator. She is the fifth person in four years to hold the position. Knutson, the city’s community development director, will serve as city administrator while the city reviews next steps, the news release said.
“Katrina has been with the city for six years. She is well-loved throughout the city, with amazing depth and knowledge on city policy and procedure. She will be a solid guide through a time while we search for a new city administrator,” Laura Pettitt, city of Gig Harbor communications director told The Gateway.
Pettitt said the mayor is working with the City Council to select an executive search firm to help the city with the process of finding a permanent city administrator, but that the search process has not begun.
“It was unexpected entirely,” Pettitt said. “We all parted on good terms with Linda and wish her the best.”
Knutson is still handling some community development director duties, along with principal planner Carl De Simas and building official and fire marshal Paul Rice. They’ll step up and take on some responsibilities of the community development director role.
Knutson will return to the community development director role once her time as interim city administrator is complete.
“Katrina has not yet expressed applying for the city administrator position but if she does she would absolutely be considered,” Pettitt said.
The city has no timeline for how long they expect the hiring process to take, Pettitt said.
“As the city administrator she works with the mayor and council managing the city’s daily business, supervising all city departments and offices, and carrying out policies as set by council by directing the work of city staff. The role is responsible for enforcing the laws of the city, informing the mayor and council on important matters relating to municipal government functions, and directing the preparation of the city’s budget,” the news release said.
