FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2018
City of Renton Contacts
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569; cell 206-491-8158
Mr. Harrison will take over for Jay Covington when he retires on May 1
Robert Harrison
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RENTON, WA – Mayor Denis Law announced today the appointment of Robert Harrison as the city’s chief administrative officer (CAO), a key post responsible for managing one of the fastest growing cities in King County. Renton is the fourth largest city in King County with a population of 102,700. The CAO works directly with department administrators and coordinates between the Mayor, City Council, city officials, governmental agencies and the community. Harrison will replace Jay Covington who plans to retire May 1.
“I am very pleased to have Bob joining our team,” said Mayor Law. “I am very impressed with his integrity, proven leadership skills and wide range of experience in city government. He is a collaborative leader and where necessary will make tough choices to ensure Renton’s future and success. I am confident that he will be an outstanding CAO.”
The chief administrative officer reports to the Mayor and serves as a liaison between the administration and City Council. His administrative duties involve directing, coordinating and facilitating city projects, programs and policies, and reviewing and making recommendations on complex personnel and performance issues, policy interpretations and resource allocation issues.
Harrison previously worked as the chief administrative officer for the city of Issaquah for eight years and as the city manager for the city of Wyoming, Ohio for 12 years. Harrison has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marquette University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He has been a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) since 1996 and served as their vice president from 2013-2016. He also serves on the executive board of the Local Government Hispanic Network and the Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA). Harrison has five children plus two dogs, and enjoys the outdoors, traveling and cooking.
“Jay has been an invaluable member of my leadership team and an integral part of the Renton community,” said Mayor Law. “He has dedicated 28 years of his life and career to Renton and during this time he has helped shape the city through his vision and commitment. He will truly be missed by city staff and various organizations and groups in the Renton community. We wish him all the best in his retirement activities along with good health and happiness.”
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