Stapleton named among the top finalists for city administrator job in Tumwater, Wash. committed to my work here … and

By Zach Hagadone Reader Staff

Sandpoint City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton is among the five finalists for the same job in Tumwater, Wash., according to an April 17 report from The Olympian.

According to the news outlet, Stapleton and the four other finalists for the top job in the city of 26,300 residents south of Olympia, Wash., were in Tumwater for a reception April 18, where they met with the public. Also in attendance were the mayor and city council.

John Doan is the current Tumwater city administrator, in which capacity he has served for 13 years. He announced his retirement in early February, and a position profile and solicitation document from GMP Consultants stated the first review of candidates for his replacement would take place March 12.

In a phone interview with the Reader on April 19, Stapleton said, “Tumwater asked me to meet with them — I did. I’m committed to my work here and to Sandpoint and to the city, and I am not actively looking for other positions.

“But I have an obligation, I felt, to meet with another entity and consider opportunities,” she added.

According to a Feb. 10 report from The Olympian, Doan’s retirement will be effective this month.

A Tumwater city spokesperson told the Reader in an email that a preferred candidate has yet to be identified and “we do not have a timeline for a decision.”

Tumwater’s mayor and GMP Consultants selected the finalists, which as well as Stapleton