YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Interim City Manager Dave Zabell appointed City Engineer Bill Preston P.E. to serve as Acting Community Development Director on Mon., March 18, according to a news release.
“Bill has been highly successful in his role of City Engineer and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Director position,” said Zabell. “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.”
The previous Community Development Director, Joan Davenport, retired recently after 37 years working for the City of Yakima and ten years serving in the position.
Davenport’s last day working for the City was Fri., March 15.
“Joan’s departure means a lot of experience and knowledge overseeing a department with highly technical and varied responsibilities has left with her,” said Zabell. “Fortunately, we have an impressive workforce with some very accomplished staff who can step in and keep the department on track and moving forward.”
Zabell was authorized on March 5 in a Yakima City Council meeting to work with GMP Consultants to find the City’s new Community Development Director.
