(Edmonds, WA) - After a comprehensive recruitment and interview process, including candidate interviews with Council, Mayor Mike Nelson has selected Susan McLaughlin as his appointee to the regular position of Development Services Director.
Susan McLaughlin, AICP LEED AP, holds a Masters in Urban Development & Design from the University of New South Wales, Sydney, AU and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies - Urban Planning Emphasis from UC, Santa Barbara.
Ms. McLaughlin has over twenty years of experience, specializing in land use, transportation and public realm design. Susan has been fortunate to work in several cities in the US and abroad in Australia and New Zealand. She played a key role in developing the Central City Rebuild Plan in Christchurch, NZ after the devastating 2010/2011 earthquakes. Prior to New Zealand, Susan spent over 10 years working in the public and private sector of land use planning in Santa Barbara, CA.
McLaughlin is currently the Urban Design Manager for the City of Seattle Department of Transportation, where she has worked for the last nine years. She moved to Edmonds with her family during the pandemic, and they fell in love with it. She is looking forward to living and working in a beautiful city that values the environment, equity and livability.
Upon the retirement of the Development Services Director at the end of June, the City undertook the process to solicit applications for the regular appointment to the Development Services Director position.
City staff conducted the required recruitment process. The position was posted on 5/21/21 on the City website, professional organization sites, Association of Washington Cities job site, and Indeed.com.
A total of 18 applications were received prior to the deadline for first review. Of those applications, five met the minimum qualifications for the position. Those who passed the minimum qualifications were then asked to submit written response to a supplemental question, four candidates completed this step of the process. After review of the written responses, three candidates were advanced for interview.
On 8/5/21 candidates were interviewed by a panel consisting of the HR Director, Parks & Recreation Director, Public Works Director and former Development Services Director, Shane Hope. The three candidates were then interviewed by Mayor Nelson who then advanced all three for Council interview.
Prior to scheduling Council interviews, one candidate withdrew their application for the position. The two remaining candidates were interviewed by Council on 9/20/21 and the Council approved moving forward with two candidates at that time. The Mayor solicited feedback from City Council prior to making a final appointment decision.
City Council will vote on the appointment of Susan McLaughlin at the meeting on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.