- Home
- City Government
- City Manager
City Manager's Office
City Manager
Biography
Matthew Huish began employment as Sequim City Manager on November 1, 2021. Matt previously served as Chief Administrative Officer for Sandy, Utah. Before working in local government, Matt enjoyed an extensive and successful career in the healthcare industry in both the public and private sectors. His career includes serving as a corporate officer in a Fortune 500 public company, an administrator at the University of Utah Medical Center, and owner/operator of multiple start-up ventures.
Matt's years in the medical field developed a unique and valuable skill set for his work in local government through his training in root cause analysis and corrective action planning. His decision-making is data-driven, relying on analytics to support continuous process improvement. Matt enjoys operations, business strategy, and innovation. He is best known for his business acumen and championing the use of technology to support efficiencies and improve employee, resident, and business satisfaction.
When Matt is not working to make Sequim the most sought-after city to work, live, and play in, he is taking advantage of Sequim's easy access to outdoor recreation as an avid cyclist, swimmer, sailor, and hiker. He loves spending time with his wife, Sandra, and their extended family.
Matt grew up in Tacoma, where he graduated from Stadium High School and the University of Puget Sound. He is excited to "get back" to the Northwest, where he can "give back" through his commitment to community service.
City Manager
Responsibilities
The City Manager is hired by and serves at the pleasure of the Sequim City Council. His role is to implement and operationalize their policies. He also collaborates with the City Council on strategic planning, presents a proposed annual budget, and oversees all city departments to ensure the effective and efficient operations of municipal services.
Deputy City Manager & DCED Director
Biography
Charisse has had a vast career in City Planning and Management spanning over two decades. After joining the City of Sequim team in 2014, Charisse held multiple leadership positions in the City Manager's Office and the Community and Economic Development Department. Positions held since joining the Sequim Team include: Senior Planner, Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Interim City Manager, and her current role. Charisse is a graduate of Leadership ICMA and the Northwest Women's Leadership Academy. She values servant leadership, and she implements leadership at all levels. Her passion is community engagement and she values the opportunity to include the people of Sequim in decisions that impact their lives.
When not working, Charisse's hobbies include hiking, bicycling, traveling, crocheting, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.
Responsibilities
As the Deputy City Manager, Charisse assists the City Manager as needed with special projects, operations, legislative amendments, strategy, and management.
As the Director of Community and Economic Development, Charisse provides leadership and management of growth planning, including Comprehensive Planning and Legislative Amendments related to Code, management of the day-to-day of current planning, and acts as the City's SEPA Administrator.
For more information, please click this link: Development Services | Sequim, WA - Official Website (sequimwa.gov)
Executive Assistant
Biography
Merrin comes from an extensive background in project management, having previously served as a Program Liaison for the Sequim School District and a Community Outreach Manager for a nonprofit in Boise, Idaho. Merrin loves having job opportunities that allow her to collaborate with a variety of peers and participate in and give back to her community.
When not working, Merrin enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the Pacific Northwest with hiking, backpacking, camping, running, and going to the beach. Otherwise, you can find her at home with her husband and three small children, reading books and mommy-ing.
Responsibilities
As the Executive Assistant, Merrin collaborates with all Senior Managers and the City Manager to manage projects, provide analysis, create content, and conduct research on matters the City Council has directed the city to explore.
Merrin also assists the City Manager with day-to-day activities and tasks.