Brubaker tapped as Kent’s interim chief administrative officer

Tom Brubaker, Kent’s city attorney, was named interim chief administrative officer by Mayor Suzette Cooke during Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

“I look forward to working with Tom as CAO,” Cooke said. “I’m very confident in his ability to keep the city moving forward. His knowledge of how the city works and having the respect of staff is key to advancing the strategic goals outlined by the city council.

“We’re making great progress toward those goals, and Tom will ensure the momentum continues,” Cooke said.

Brubaker joined the city in 1990, and served as assistant city attorney until being appointed to the city attorney role by former mayor Jim White 11 years ago.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to step in,” Brubaker said. “I’ve been here for 23 years and I care about this community and where it’s headed.

“There is no question that John (Hodgson) is a hard act to follow after steering the city through the recession. I intend to build on his good work and provide stable leadership for the great group of professionals working here,” Brubaker said.

Cooke also appointed Pat Fitzpatrick as acting city attorney. Fitzpatrick, a 15-year city of Kent employee, has served as chief prosecutor and assistant city attorney before being named deputy city attorney.

Brubaker and Fitzpatrick will assume their roles June 1 upon the retirement of current city CAO John Hodgson at the end of May.

Cooke reiterated she will delay seeking a permanent CAO until after the elections this fall.

“Kent is fortunate to have such qualified department directors to select from during this time of transition between permanent CAOs,” Cooke said.

Brubaker earned his juris doctorate degree from Seattle University School of Law in 1989 and is now adjunct faculty at the law school. Brubaker also serves on the board of directors of the Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys and is the father of Rebecca, a freshman at the University of Washington.