White Center Now: The blog about White Center

Just in from King County Local Services:

Liz Stead will join King County Department of Local Services as its new Permitting Division Director.

Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson made the announcement today after an extensive search for the person who will help guide permitting activity for approximately 250,000 residents and businesses in the unincorporated areas.

“We are excited that Liz will be a member of our team,” Richardson said. “She brings a wealth of experience in both local government and the private sector that will directly benefit the Permitting Division. She has an extensive background in permitting, code enforcement, long-range planning, SEPA compliance, land use, leadership, and a myriad of other areas directly related to DLS’ work.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the DLS Permitting Division team to continue the good work that has been its hallmark,” said Stead, who starts her job later this month. “There is an opportunity to build upon the groundwork that already exists while looking for improvements for our customers. Being invited to be a part of the King County organization is an honor, and I look forward to serving in this capacity.”

Stead comes from the City of Burien, where for the last two years she served as Community Development Director. She oversaw current and long-range planning and building permitting, SEPA administration, code enforcement, budget development, and process improvement.

Before that, Stead spent 16 years with the City of Bellevue, first as the Urban Design Planning Manager, then as Land Use Director.

Stead holds master’s degrees in architecture and public administration.

Richardson also extended his sincere appreciation to Mark Rowe, who has served as Interim Permitting Director since the beginning of this year. He will transition back to his role as Permitting Deputy Director.

“Mark’s leadership, dedication, and unwavering support of the Permitting team and Department of Local Services overall has been invaluable,” Richardson said. “Mark stepped into this critical leadership position at an important time for the division, providing stability, thoughtful leadership, and a continued focus on supporting our employees and the communities we serve. I am incredibly grateful for his willingness to take on this responsibility and for the commitment he has demonstrated throughout his time in the role.”

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