Sequim City Manager Charlie Bush has announced in a letter to the Sequim City Council that he will be resigning his position effective at the close of business on Friday, April 17.
“As a result of significant events in my life over the past year, I gradually came to the conclusion that stepping away from this position was the best option,” Bush said.
Bush will be taking a mid-career break and pursuing a life goal of hiking the Appalachian Trail before exploring options for the second half of his career.
“Life is too short. Those who have a bucket list need to discover the wisdom of a to do list. The key to a full life is discovering the 18-inch highway from your head to your heart. Follow your passion. I want to wish Charlie all the best as he pursues his dream and future endeavors,” said Mayor William Armacost.
Bush began working for the City of Sequim on August 15, 2015. In his four plus years with the City he cited numerous accomplishments by the City Council, City Staff and the community including: Adoption of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan and associated zoning changes; a partnership bringing the YMCA to Sequim to provide services in the empty SARC building; successful advocacy to move the Highway 101 corridor improvements ahead; establishing a Rainy Day Fund, furthering the City’s excellent financial position; and significant improvements in our emergency operations capabilities.
He worked with staff to implement the High Performance Organization (HPO) model, developed the GREASE Team of trained facilitators to assist internal departments and external community engagement, engaged with the Drucker Institute to develop mission, vision and values for each department and with the Kettering Foundation for enhanced community engagement. The City of Sequim has been recognized on a state and national level for its innovation, partnerships, and creative problem solving under Bush’s leadership.
“My experience working with our employees was the highlight of my 22-year municipal career,” Bush said in his letter. “They are engaged, dedicated, caring and highly capable professionals working cohesively as a team. They are the embodiment of the HPO we sought to create when I joined the City in 2015 and my love for working with them was the hardest part of this decision.”