City of Kent seeks two new department heads

The city of Kent plans to hire two new department heads by this fall as it seeks a finance director and a human resources director.

Kent hired California-based Peckham & McKenney Inc., an executive search firm, to find candidates at a cost of $45,000, said Dana Neuts, city communications manager, in a Wednesday email.

Marty Fisher resigned in March as human resources director after three years with the city. Aaron BeMiller resigned as finance director in March after nearly five years in Kent.

Deputy Director Natalie Winecka is serving as interim human resources director. Deputy Finance Director Barbara Lopez is the interim finance director.

The annual salary range is $123,036 to $190,776 for each position. Application deadlines are this month.

“The Mayor’s Office and Marty reached a mutual decision to go in different directions,” Neuts said about Fisher’s departure.

BeMiller told the Kent Reporter in March he left because of the long hours and the work took a toll on him emotionally and physically.

As mayor, Dana Ralph has the authority to hire and fire city department heads. Five department heads have left since Ralph became mayor in January 2018:

• Tom Brubaker retired as city attorney in February 2018 after 28 years. Ralph named Deputy City Attorney Pat Fitzpatrick to replace him.

• Ben Wolters left in February 2018 as city economic and community development director after 12 years. Ralph chose Kurt Hanson, deputy director of Economic and Community Development, to replace him.

• Ken Thomas resigned as police chief in May 2018 after seven years. Ralph picked Assistant Chief Rafael Padilla as the new chief.

• Aaron BeMiller resigned as finance director in March 2019 after five years. Replacement yet to be named.

• Marty Fisher resigned as human resources director in March 2019 after three years. Replacement yet to be chosen.