YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima City Manager Vicki Baker announced that Gary Ballew has been appointed as the new assistant city manager.
In his new role, Ballew will work closely with Baker on economic development and infrastructure projects, a release said.
Ballew holds degrees from Washington State University in hotel and restaurant administration, civil and environmental engineering, and a master’s in environmental engineering.
From 2000 to 2006, Ballew served as deputy county administrator and sustainable development manager for Benton County. His career then took him to the City of Richland in 2006, where he became the economic development manager.
Ballew’s journey continued as he led the Wine Science Center Development Authority in Richland from 2013 to 2015 as its executive director.
Later, he spent seven years as the Port of Pasco’s director of economic development and marketing. In 2020, he joined Greater Spokane, Inc. as vice president of economic development.
“Gary brings to the City a wealth of experience,” Baker said. “He has been instrumental in guiding significant economic development initiatives from concept to success.”
Ballew’s first day is March 17.
