Hood River County welcomes new Administrator

Hood River County’s new Administrator, Allison Williams, began in early December. With over 25 years of local government experience in Central Washington, Williams was drawn to the Hood River County position for several reasons. With a high regard for “what counties do,” she has had interest in being a County Administrator for some time. As she interviewed for the position, she appreciated the deep conviction held by members of the Board of Commissioners as well as community panel members.

Allison Williams speaks at a community
“meet and greet” in October.

“The Board of Commissioners is very pleased that Allison accepted our County Administrator position. Allison is a clear thinker and communicator, and we look forward to working with her. She will be a valuable addition to our County government, and also to our community,” said Board Chair Jennifer Euwer.

Most recently, Williams was City Manager for the City of Moses Lake, Washington (population 26,000) for three-and-a-half years. Prior to that, Williams served as Executive Services Director for the City of Wenatchee, population 35,000, for 15 years. In this position, she worked as the Chief of Staff for the City’s management team and the right hand of the Mayor in a Strong Mayor form of government. Earlier, she was responsible for long range community and economic development planning as Community Planner for the City of Wenatchee.

Wenatchee is the largest city in a region serving a two-county area (Chelan and Douglas). As a fruit-growing locale (primarily apples) with nearby forests and rivers, Williams describes many similarities between the region and Hood River County. The area recovered from the Sleepy Hollow Fires which swept through Wenatchee in the summer of 2015, destroying dozens of homes, waterfront warehouses and scorching 3,000 acres of vegetation. In the aftermath, Williams was involved with development of new land use codes (Wildfire Urban Interface), community forest protection plans and other related initiatives which she felt prepared her for leading Hood River County.

“My skillset has grown through decades of administrative management, and I felt a great next step would be as a County Administrator,” Williams said. “Hood River County was looking for a leader, manager, team builder, and that all speaks to who I am.”

She notes various key strengths such as collaborative negotiation and process skills, exceptional training and leadership skills, strong knowledge of public sector operations balanced with private sector experience, with strong values and strategic planning experience.

“Allison started meeting with County staff and other agency leaders her first week, immersing herself in the issues we currently face while also studying our longer-term work plan,” added Chair Euwer. “She is already demonstrating her commitment to collaborating with other people and agencies to get things done.”

In addition to vast amounts she’s learning about Hood River County, she’s experienced a great level of comfort. “I’ve been so appreciative of the warm welcome,” she added. “I am excited about the variety of projects being worked on in the County and I look forward to being a part of the team.” Williams succeeds County Administrator Jeff Hecksel, who recently retired after more than seven years of service.

Williams moved to Hood River with her husband Allan who is originally from Oregon. They have two adult sons, one of whom lives in Bend and the other in Boise.