Following the departure of longtime staffer Charisse Deschenes in April, the City of Sequim has hired Lindsey Sehmel as its new Community and Economic Development Director.
Sehmel started May 28.
“I am excited and happy for the opportunity to join the beautiful community of Sequim and to serve the region and residents with authenticity,” Sehmel said in a press release.
City officials report Sehmel has more than 17 years of experience in urban planning and community development in Oregon and Washington including serving as Community Development Director in Lincoln City, Oregon, where she led initiatives for urban planning enhancement, environmental sustainability and economic development.
Sehmel held planning roles in the cities of Gig Harbor, Puyallup and Bremerton, and as the Service Planning Assistant Manager for Pierce Transit, where she oversaw planning activities and strategic processes to improve operational efficiency and community service.
Sequim city manager Matthew Huish said via press release that Sehmel “understands how to navigate complex dynamics while building and strengthening relationships” that aligns with the city’s vision for community collaboration, engagement, beautification, and efficiency.
“We are very happy to have her on the team,” he said.
Sehmel earned an executive masters degree in of public administration from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, and a bachelor of arts degree in urban studies from the University of Washington.
She is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Deschenes, who served as both deputy city manager/community and economic development director since Feb. 2023, gave her 30-day notice in March to explore new opportunities. She started with the city in 2014 as a senior planner, and served as assistant to the city manager, assistant city manager twice, interim city manager and acting city clerk.
Deschenes was a finalist for the city manager position following the firing of Charlie Bush in 2021, and she served as interim city manager before the city hired Huish in November 2021. Her leaving the city was amicable, she said.
Both Sehmel and new public works director Paul Bucich were introduced to city councilors at the May 28 council meeting.
