Kenmore names Robert G. Karlinsey as City Manager

Robert G. Karlinsey
City Manager, Kenmore
Photo courtesy City of
Gig Harbor

The Kenmore City Council has appointed Robert G. Karlinsey to the position of City Manager, following a nationwide recruitment process. Mr. Karlinsey succeeds Frederick Stouder, who will retire in April after serving as the City Manager since 2008.

Kenmore, a King County city with a population of approximately 21,000, is located on the north end of Lake Washington and is the home to Bastyr University, Kenmore Air and other notable businesses. 

The City incorporated in 1998, but the community of Kenmore was founded in the early 1900s. Kenmore City Hall was completed in 2010 and is a LEED Gold Certified building, joining Bastyr’s Student Village project as the Kenmore’s first LEED Certified projects. 

The City has also spearheaded over $50M in improvements to the State Route 522 Corridor within the City limits to improve pedestrian safety and provide more efficient transit and auto travel. The City’s 2011-2012 combined General Fund Operating and Capital budget is $28.8M.

“We are very pleased to take this important step as a City. Mr Karlinsey is well prepared to lead the implementation of the City Council’s priorities,” said Mayor David Baker. There were over 50 applicants for the position. The interview process included members of the community and department directors, in addition to the City Council. 

“The City Council and I want to express our deep appreciation for the tireless dedication of our City Manager, Fred Stouder, and all of our department heads and staff during the transition,” added Mayor Baker.

Robert Karlinsey is currently the City Administrator of Gig Harbor, Washington, where he has served since January 2007. He has over 17 years of local government experience. Mr. Karlinsey is a Western Washington native and holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. Mr. Karlinsey will assume the duties on April 23, and will earn an annual salary of $141,500.