Cook to step down as Bainbridge’s planning director in January

Published 4:15 pm Friday, October 9, 2015

Bainbridge Island Planning Director Kathy Cook will retire in mid-January 2016, the city announced Friday.

Cook joined the department in 1995 on a temporary assignment specializing in public outreach, and was appointed long-lange planner in 1998 and senior planner in 2005. She served as interim director before being selected as the department director in 2008.

“On behalf of the city of Bainbridge Island I’d like to recognize the hard work and dedication of Kathy Cook,” said City Manager Doug Schulze.

“During the past three years, I have truly appreciated Kathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the organization and Bainbridge Island community,” he said. “Serving as director of the Planning and Community Development Department on Bainbridge Island is a difficult job. Kathy has served this community with grace and professionalism. We wish her the very best in her retirement.”

City officials said Cook’s decision to retire was prompted by a desire to enjoy time with her husband — who has been retired for the last two years — and to travel and spend time with her first grandchild, due in February 2016.

The city has issued an “request for proposals” to select a search firm to fill the director position.