Rachael Markle selected as Shoreline’s new Director of Planning & Community Development
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
From the Office of the City Manager
City Manager Julie Underwood has selected Rachael Markle to be City’s new Director of Planning and Community Development. Markle’s selection is the culmination of an extensive search after it was announced that Joe Tovar, the former director, would be leaving the City.
“I’m excited to appoint Rachael as the City’s new Planning and Community Development Director,” stated Underwood. “With her years of service at Shoreline, she has demonstrated competency in her profession, a high regard for our customer service values, and organizational teamwork and leadership.”
Markle has 17 years of professional experience in planning and community development and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Markle has been employed with the City for nearly 14 years, the past seven of which she has served as the Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development. Prior to coming to Shoreline, Markle worked as a Senior Planner for the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center.
Markle has managed such major projects as permitting and environmental review for the construction of the King County Brightwater regional sewage treatment system and the King County Hidden Lake sewer system upgrades in Shoreline. For the past seven years she has supervised the Code Enforcement Team, working with the City’s Code Enforcement Officer to address hundreds of safety and environmental issues throughout the City. She enjoys continually improving City codes to ensure clarity, ease of use and consistency.
“I have had the pleasure to work with many dedicated citizens, business owners and local leaders to plan for the City’s future,” stated Markle. “I look forward to being even more involved in the community through my new position. The Community’s adopted Vision 2029 provides a wonderful road map for Planning and Community Development to follow. I am committed to its implementation.”
Markle has a BS degree in political science/communications from Florida State University.
The City received over 100 applications for the position. Of those, 11 were chosen as semi-finalists to go through additional screening. After the additional screening, the City Manager chose six finalists to be interviewed by three panels. Two of those finalists removed their names from consideration before the interviews. The interview panels were made up of City staff, the City’s Leadership Team and a community panel made up of Shoreline residents. The final interview was with the City Manager.
“I appreciate everyone who participated in the selection process, especially the members of the community panel,” added Underwood. “They devoted time from their other commitments to volunteer for this effort.”
The community panel included Mark Bunje, Easton Craft, Barbara Guthrie, Jim Hills, Rob Matiko and Michelle Wagner.
Markle starts immediately as Director of Planning and Community Development.
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6 comments:
Compare and contrast -
Rachael Markle -
"Markle has a BS degree in political science/communications from Florida State University."
Joe Tovar -
• Planning Director at City of Shoreline
• Affiliate Associate Professor at University of Washington
• President of Washington Chapter at WA Chapter American Planning Association
• Board Member at Growth Management Hearings Board
• Planning Director at City of Kirkland
Education -
University of Colorado
University of Washington -
• Masters, Urban Planning
1974 – 1976
• Affiliate Associate Professor
University of Washington
University of California
What a colossal blunder Shoreline has made! Unbelievable!
Tovar, however, has the hugest ego on the face of the planet and is probably the biggest jerk I've ever met.
Perhaps a big ego - but, better than a pathetically small vision and professional ability.
If Shoreline truly wants to be the "Best Neighborhood" as they are always touting, why does it settle for such low qualifications in Planning and Administration. The City Manager they settled on is also a far cry from the last one.
Shoreline likes to promote itself, as if IT has a big ego. But now puts people in charge who only care for mediocre vision and have little record of accomplishment.
Sad!
How do you know Ms. Markle has a "pathetically small vision and professional ability"? Where did you gather that information, pray tell.
And Tovar's ego was so huge that it was his way or no way. And there was also no way he would take any responsibilty for anything negative. He was divisive and a detriment. The City is well rid of him.
Her record is underwhelming. Just watching the City channel can tell you that!
My impression of Tovar is of person of great integrity and professionalism. And his professional record is impeccable. Also my impression from watching him was that of a thoughtful individual, open to clearly thought out arguments and ideas.
It's obvious that you, Anon 9:37 have a personal ax to grind.
Shoreline is now entering an age of mediocrity.
Is that you, Joe?
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