Name: Brian Hartsell
Age: 37
Occupation: Executive Assistant to City Administrator and Mayor for Bonney Lake
Assistants to both? How does that work? It works out well, because I can help to coordinate government and administration. Knowing what is going on in each side is very beneficial to help things run well together.
So what are your responsibilities? I am the point of contact for the new Shop Bonney Lake program. I write, manage and track the grants for the city. I report to the community and granting agent how grant funds were used. Since it takes millions of dollars to fund our many potential projects, I am always looking for grant opportunities.
I do special projects for and . For example, I recently evaluated our existing contracts for public defender services and utility billing services. We initiated requests for proposals, conducted interviews and ultimately awarded new contracts that improved customer service and saved money.
With such a large spectrum of responsibilities, what background prepared you for this type of position? I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public administration, with a city management emphasis. I was in the Air Force where I worked as an administrator in several military health facilities. These campuses operated like a small city in many respects.
What do you like best about working in this job at the City of Bonney Lake? I like being involved in an array of projects. It is something different every day. I deal with all types of people through my co-workers, agencies and residents. I really enjoy representing the City of Bonney Lake. Outside of work, I love traveling and exploring the Northwest with my family. There are so many new things for us to do here. I also enjoy photography, and find so many great photo opportunities here as well.
Where do you see yourself as your career progresses? I would like to be a city manager somewhere down the road. My family likes Washington, but I am a military brat so I am comfortable with moving. I am very open to staying here if a future career opportunity is here. More immediately, I would like to continue to grow in my current position. Working for Don and Neil is great. They are flexible people, easy to work with, they do not micromanage and are open to listening to my ideas. I like my co-workers here as well. This is a great working environment.
