Welcome to Skagit County

June 25th, 2007

COUNTY HIRES NEW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

SKAGIT COUNTY – Skagit County Administrator Gary Rowe announced the hiring to a new Public Works Director by naming Jim Voetberg of Ketchikan, Alaska to the position. Voetberg is currently the Public Works Director for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough in Ketchikan.

“We are excited to bring Jim on board,” said Rowe. “We had an excellent slate of candidates for this position. Our commissioners and myself feel he is the best qualified.”

Skagit County Board of Commissioners Chair Sharon Dillon thanked Gene Sampley, P.E. for serving as interim public works director for several months. “Gene really helped us out while we searched for the best candidate to fill this position.”

“Gene’s leadership and past experience as our director in the 1980s was invaluable,” said Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt.

Voetberg, is a registered civil engineer in Alaska and Washington State and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University in Civil/Forestry Engineering. Prior to serving as Public Works Director in the Ketchikan Gateway Bureau, he was Assistant City Manager for the City of Ketchikan. His resume also includes experience as a project and staff engineer in the private sector.

Voetberg will begin his new position in late July. “I believe my senior managerial experience in the public sector with my experience in project management and department management makes me a strong candidate for this position,” he said.

“We can’t thank Gene Sampley and our staff enough for doing a great job in the selection process,’ said Skagit County Commissioner Don Munks. “This is a very important leadership position and we look forward to working with Mr. Voetberg.”

For further information, contact: Gary Rowe
Skagit County Administrator
360-336-9300