Yakima Names New Assistant City Manager: Gary Ballew

In a move aimed at bolstering the city's growth and economic development, City Manager Vicki Baker has announced the appointment of Gary Ballew as the new assistant city manager.

THE NEW ASSISTANT MANAGER COULD MAKE A BIG IMPACT SAYS BAKER

“Gary brings to the City a wealth of experience,” says Baker. “He has been instrumental in guiding significant economic development initiatives from concept to success. I’m confident Gary will help Yakima address some of the issues we are facing today while building a vibrant future.”

 BALLEW BRINGS A LOT OF EXPERIENCE TO THE CITY

Ballew boasts an extensive background in economic development. From 2000 to 2006, he served as the Deputy County Administrator and Sustainable Development Manager for Benton County before taking on the role of Economic Development Manager for the City of Richland in 2006. He further expanded his expertise as the Executive Director of the Wine Science Center Development Authority in Richland from 2013 to 2015. Most recently, Ballew served as the Director of Economic Development and Marketing at the Port of Pasco and, as of 2020, was the Vice President of economic development at Greater Spokane, Inc.

BALLEW IS A WSU GRAD

A proud alumnus of Washington State University, Ballew holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in hotel and restaurant administration (1988), a Bachelor of Science in civil and environmental engineering (1994), and a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering. Ballew’s first day in his new position will be March 17th.