Snohomish County Public Works
Contact:
Fay Lim
Communications Supervisor
Fay.Lim@snoco.org
425-388-6413
Allison Tabiando
Communications Specialist II
Allison.Tabiando@snoco.org
425-388-3126
Snohomish County Public Works Selects Experienced “Water Baby”
to Lead Surface Water Management Division
Will Hall, former County Council Analyst, chosen as the new
Public Works Surface Water Management Utility Director
EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 29, 2016 – After thoroughly searching for a new Surface Water Management (SWM) Director, Snohomish County Public Works announced the selection of Will Hall to lead the division. Hall’s appointment as director completes the management team, which also hired a new Engineering Services Director, Janice Fahning, in March of 2015. With the full team in place, Public Works leaders will be even more focused on the department’s mission and vision of serving unincorporated Snohomish County citizens. Hall will assume his new position in early February 2016.
With a love for everything related to water, Hall proudly identifies himself as a “water baby” with 27 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. As the new SWM Director, he brings knowledge of salmon recovery, watersheds, flood hazards, marine resources, and natural resources to the 90 person division and Public Works. Hall previously held senior positions in SWM and in Planning and Development Services. He also provides the management team with a strong background in government operations after serving the last eight years as a Snohomish County Council Analyst.
“As we searched for a new Surface Water Management Director, we wanted someone with a solid education and experience related to the surface water field, and I strongly believe Will meets those requirements,” said Public Works Director Steve Thomsen. “His familiarity with the division and understanding of stakeholders, the legislative process, fisheries, resource management, and topography gives him the horsepower to be a great leader within Public Works and the county. I look forward to working closely in collaboration with Will, County Executive Dave Somers, and our two Surface Water Management managers during this transition to provide a sense of continuity and support for the staff, management, and our citizens.”
“The Surface Water Management Division has the right mix already in place for success – projects that improve neighborhoods, dedicated staff members, support from management, and more,” said Hall. “I see my role as providing support to an already knowledgeable and effective staff that is passionate about what they do for our community. Additionally, I hope to be their voice to our partner agencies, management, the county council, and County Executive Somers in order to get them the resources and recognition they deserve.”
As the new SWM Director, Hall sees the division as clearly defined with a mission that fits who they are and what they are striving to do. This includes past and upcoming projects and awards, including work with the Sustainable Lands Strategy (SLS) and President Obama’s Resilient Lands and Waters Initiative. Hall’s goals are to support, focus, and encourage the diverse team to achieve continued success. Furthermore, he hopes to open doors for more cooperation and coordination between various SWM teams and divisions to expand what benefits are possible for each project.
“Since Snohomish County is rapidly growing, work being done now to manage agricultural land and water-related assets matters enormously as we try to preserve and protect these valuable resources,” said Snohomish County Executive Somers. “Will’s experience partnering with important stakeholder groups including the Puget Sound Partnership, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of Ecology, and the local Tribes will be of great long-term benefit to the residents of our region.”
SWM’s mission is to work in partnership with the community to protect and enhance water quality and aquatic habitat, minimize damage from flooding and erosion, and preserve water resources for future generations. To accomplish this, the division provides a variety of programs and services for reducing road and property flooding, and preserving and improving the health of Snohomish County's water resources and natural systems. Their focus is on clean water in rivers, streams and lakes; habitat for fish and aquatic wildlife; river flooding and erosion; and stormwater drainage systems.
For more information about Snohomish County’s Surface Water Management Division, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/SWM.
About Snohomish County Public Works
The Snohomish County Public Works Department employs approximately 600 staff members that develop and maintain county roads; control and manage surface water quantity, quality, and fish habitats; and oversee the recycling and disposal of solid waste. The department’s main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. For more information about Snohomish County Public Works, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks.