Redmond picks Portlander as new city manager
The Redmond City Council on Tuesday approved the hiring of Portlander Keith Witcosky for the position of city manager.
Mayor George Endicott and the council met Tuesday morning to approve the contract for Witcosky, who will begin work July 9, at a salary of $129,996 a year, officials said.
“I’m looking forward to joining a strong and established set of city and community leaders and doing my part to position Redmond for economic success and prosperity for many years to come,” Witcosky said in the city’s hiring announcement.
Witcosky’s experience in public policy, politics and strategic partnerships spans more than 20 years, the city noted.
He began his career in 1993 working for Portland Mayor Vera Katz. His portfolio includes economic development projects and liaison to Portland’s downtown business community.
Witcosky joined the Portland Development Commission in late 1998 as project coordinator; and most recently served as PDC’s Deputy Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs.
His team oversaw relationships with local, state and federal elected officials, media relations, communications/social media, public involvement, resource development, urban renewal plan policies, and related matters.
“It’s obvious he was very well-liked and respected,” said Endicott, who visited the Portland Development Commission with Interim City Manager Sharon Harris. “His team described him as a thoughtful and strategic leader who understands the need for collaboration.”
“The Portland Development Commission’s recent focus has been economic development, which is a very good fit for Redmond’s goals and objectives.” the mayor added.
During his 15 years at PDC, Witcosky has been responsible for the negotiations which resulted in agreement between the neighborhoods and the city on the initial transformation of Civic Stadium to PGE Park; led multiple citizen committees which guided urban renewal investment decisions; and helped forge a strong partnership between PDC and the Portland City Council.
“We are excited to bring to Redmond a professional of Mr. Witcosky’s caliber,” Harris said. “He will be a valuable asset to both the organization and the community as we move forward.”
Councilors and the community met the three city manager finalists last month in a series of appearances and interviews, one of whom was Councilor Camden King.
It was the second round of finalists for the job since David Brandt left last September after three years as city manager. The first search brought a single finalist to town in October, but he turned down the position.
Another search that began in December drew 47 applicants. The city paid $16,500 to find a new city manager.
