Denny Richards Named New Gig Harbor City Administrator

Following information provided the City of Gig Harbor.

At the Monday, March 5, Gig Harbor City Council meeting, the council accepted a contract to hire Denny Richards as the new City Administrator.  Richards replaces outgoing City Administrator Rob Karlinsey who is taking the City Manager position in Kenmore, WA.

Richards is coming home to Gig Harbor for the job, where he and his wife have had a home since 1987.  The veteran municipal leader brings a variety of skills and decades of experience back to Gig Harbor.  He spent the first 20 years of his career on the Vancouver Police Department Staff and then led the city of Gig Harbor Police Department from 1987 to 1995 when he retired from law enforcement.

Since 1995 he has held several full and interim Manager and Assistant Manager Positions at Fircrest, Sammamish, Long Beach, Jefferson County and most recently in Kelso.  Richards has also served in Liberty Lake helping set up their new police department and served as Public Works Director in Battleground. 

“I was honored to get the phone call asking to consider coming back to my home town,” Richards said. “I want to bring my work ethic and team building skills to Gig Harbor.  I like people to be happy and that’s how I lead.”

In 1995 when Richards left his Police Chief position in Gig Harbor the city employed 35 people.  Today staff numbers nearly 90.  “With Denny’s background and knowledge of Gig Harbor, I am looking forward to a smooth transition.” Mayor Hunter said today. “Denny should be able to step in and keep us on target with our goals and projects.”

Richards and his wife Sheryl have been married 48 years and are often seen around town walking their Golden Doodle.  Sheryl is retired from the Peninsula School District where she worked at Peninsula High School and Voyager Elementary.

Richards starts his new job on April 9th. 

For more information contact Mayor Chuck Hunter at (253) 851-8136.