LYNNWOOD — Steve Nolen, who has spent the past nine years working in various levels of King County’s government, is Lynnwood’s new administrative assistant.
The administrative assistant serves as the mayor’s right hand, handling the day-to-day operations of the city, including labor negotiations and communication between departments.
The position has seen much turnover this year, prompting some concern among City Council members. Al Dams, the previous administrative assistant, quit the job after just 10 days. Earlier in the year, Michael Kerns left after four months.
Nolen, who was a finalist in the search that resulted in Dams’ hire, said he is aware of the turnover that occurred before he arrived, but isn’t concerned.
“I think this job is a great fit for my experience and my approach to government,” said Nolen, who will make $78,446 a year. “I would never take a job I didn’t check out very thoroughly. I did that, and I’m very confident it’s going to work out fine.”
Nolen worked as assistant to the city manager in Covington, which is northeast of Auburn, from June until taking the Lynnwood job Oct. 30.
Before that, he spent nine years in King County, where he handled the county’s agreements with cities for road and parks and recreation services. He also handled the transferring of several parks from King County to cities.
Before that, he worked in the King County executive’s office as a senior policy adviser on criminal justice issues, acting as a liaison between the county executive and other elected officials, including judges, the county sheriff, the prosecuting attorney and public defender.
Lynnwood City Council President Lisa Utter, who last month was concerned that it has been difficult to find a personality fit between the administrative assistant and Mayor Mike McKinnon, said she thinks Nolen is going to be a good fit.
“He certainly feels free to share his expertise on things,” Utter said. “In my work with him, he’s been very easy to work with, and the interactions between he and the mayor tend to go well.”
Council Vice President Ruth Ross said Nolen is taking on a tough job, referring to some ongoing labor negotiations and other city activities.
“I’m sure he’s up to the challenge,” Ross said. “All we can do is hope that he’s a good fit.”
Reporter Victor Balta writes for The Herald in Everett.
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