On August 12, Walter Bobkiewicz ‘89 MPA was confirmed as the new city administrator of Issaquah, Washington, by a unanimous city council vote. Issaquah is a Seattle suburb of approximately 40,000 residents. In his new role, Bobkiewicz will be responsible for managing the city’s human, financial, and material resources. He will also coordinate the activities and functions of various city departments, offices, commissions, and boards. Chosen following a national search that resulted in 80 applications, Bobkiewicz begins his position on September 30.

Bobkiewicz has had an extensive career in city management. He spent the past decade as the city manager of Evanston, Illinois, where he led efforts to create a federally qualified health center, helped revitalize neighborhood business districts, maintained a balanced city budget despite a state budgetary crisis, and increased the diversity of city management staff. Before moving to Illinois, Bobkiewicz served in several different municipal governments across California, including a seven-year stint as city manager of Santa Paula, California. In addition, Bobkiewicz is currently vice president for the Midwest region of the International City/County Management Association and serves on their Sustainability Committee. He was previously a board member of their California chapter. 

Bobkiewicz has given back to his community in many other ways beyond his long career in public service. He is past president of the Syracuse University Alumni Association and a former member of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees. He is also past president of the Rotary Club of Evanston and has served on the boards of the United Way of Ventura County and the Rotary Club of Santa Paula. Bobkiewicz has also volunteered for the Evanston Symphony Orchestra and with the Evanston Fourth of July Association.

You can read more about Bobkiewicz’s new position in the City of Issaquah press release.

09/23/19