Kenmore City Manager appoints Kristen Overleese as City Engineer

Kenmore City Manager Rob Karlinsey has appointed Kristen Overleese as the new City Engineer, effective May 29, 2012. Overleese is currently a Capital Projects Manager at the City of Shoreline, a position she has held since March 1999. Overleese succeeds Ron Loewen, who will retire in May after serving as the City Engineer since July 2008.

Overleese has over 17 years of government experience including 14 years with the City of Shoreline where her responsibilities included, but were not limited to, developing the initial Capital Improvement Program and neighborhood traffic safety program, creation of public involvement strategies, budget management, construction management, contract management, and right-of-way acquisition. Of note is Overleese’s lead role in managing a significant portion of Shoreline’s $50 million SR 99 Aurora Corridor Project. In addition, Overleese served with Snohomish County and Seattle Water Department.

“I am thrilled that Kristen has accepted our offer to serve as Kenmore’s next City Engineer,” said City Manager Rob Karlinsey. “She brings a lot of positive energy to the table, and she comes to us highly recommended. Kristen’s depth and breadth of experience has prepared her well for this next step in her career.”

As Kenmore’s City Engineer, Overleese’s responsibilities will include managing the City’s engineering program, which includes reviewing and evaluating the City’s engineering and project management needs; overseeing the design and construction of projects included in the Capital Improvement Program; evaluating, monitoring and assuring quality of work and conformance of design and construction contracts; and seeking funding for and managing the budgets of the City’s surface water programs, transportation projects, and park development. This position directly reports to the City Manager.

"I am honored to have been selected to join the City’s leadership team.” said Kristen Overleese. “The skill set I have developed over the years is a great fit for the City. I look forward to working with the community, Council and staff in executing the goals of the City.”

Overleese was one of seven finalists for the City Engineer position selected from a pool of 90 applicants. She holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Michigan Technological University. She is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.

Overleese lives in Lynnwood with her husband and two kids. As a family, they like to stay active by camping, swimming, playing basketball, and reading.