Hodgson to retire as city of Kent chief administrative officer

John Hodgson, the city of Kent’s chief administrative officer, will retire May 31.

The city of Kent announced Hodgson’s retirement in a Monday media release.

Hodgson has been a key executive in leading Kent through the worst recession in decades, a demographic shift and large population growth, according to the release. He has worked 33 years in municipal government service, including the last seven as the city’s CAO.

Hodgson’s responsibilities cover virtually all of city’s day-to-day operations including economic development, finance, human resources, parks, police and six other departments. He is credited with leading through the recession, cost-cutting efforts, and senior leadership team development.

Mayor Suzette Cooke called Hodgson an “outstanding leader,” adding that “no one can question the integrity, dedication and creativity he brought to the job” along with “a strong commitment to provide the best leadership for both our residents and staff.”

Cooke said she will name an interim CAO soon, but will delay seeking a permanent successor until after the elections this fall. Cooke is seeking her third term as mayor. Tim Clark, a former city councilman and current Kent School Board member, is challenging Cooke for the seat.

“Advertising for the position, during a political campaign will impede our ability to secure the best candidate,” Cooke said. “It’s a big job, and this community deserves the benefit of an intense search for just the right person.”

Hodgson said that after three decades in municipal government, “it’s time for me to take the next step in my career.” He plans to unwind this summer by playing golf, doing home projects and traveling with his childhood sweetheart and wife of 36 years, Kandace.

“This is exactly the right time,” Hodgson said. “I’ve always planned to fully retire at 62, and have said the last five years of my career would be doing something different. I’ll be 57 in a couple of weeks, and I’m excited for a new adventure.”

Hodgson’s long tenure in municipal government began as a youth recreation specialist in 1980 with Vancouver Wash., Parks and Recreation Department where he held numerous supervisory positions.

In 1986, Hodgson became recreation manager at the Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma, eventually rising to the position of associate director of recreation where he oversaw numerous programs and managed the department’s annual budget.

Hired as Kent’s parks and recreation director in 1994, Hodgson was also responsible for the management of all city facilities and the housing and human services division.

After 11 years leading the parks department, Hodgson was appointed interim CAO in 2005 by outgoing Mayor Jim White. Cooke named Hodgson CAO in May 2006, five months into her first four-year term.

Cooke said Hodgson’s impact on Kent is shown through many park improvements and programs developed during his tenure as parks director, but also in breaking down department silos.

“John’s ability to bring departments together and coordinate their efforts in delivering services is extraordinary,” said Cooke. “Staff responded effectively to his collaborative leadership style.”

Hodgson is departing city hall at a time when the economy appears to be turning around. Working with the city council, many new policies have been put in place to improve Kent’s financial standing.

Cooke said when she first hired Hodgson, he told her early on he wanted to end his career doing something different.

“I’m proud John is going after his dream. It’s the right choice for him, maybe not for me, but because it is for him, it’s perfect,” Cooke said.

Hodgson has accumulated numerous accolades. He received the Lions Club Community Impact Award in 2008, was named Kent Chamber of Commerce Employee of the Year in 2007 and Washington Recreation and Park Association Honor Fellow in 2004.