Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 11:56 a.m.
Mayor Nadine Woodward has appointed a veteran public and private sector executive with a reputation as a relationship builder and collaborator to be the City Administrator.
Johnnie Perkins comes to Spokane from the City of San Diego where he has served as deputy chief operating officer and director of environmental services over the past five years after more than a decade as an executive for two solid waste companies. His first day at the City will be April 12.
“Johnnie’s combination of executive level experience with large organizations and reputation for establishing and growing relationships set him apart,” Woodward said. “Those are important qualities I was searching for in our chief administrative officer.”
Perkins has extensive public works and labor relations experience. He managed more than 2,500 employees and an annual budget of $1.4 billion while serving as the San Diego deputy chief operating officer overseeing public utilities, water, transportation, storm water, and environmental services.
Perkins has also served as a special assistant to the chief of staff for a governor and an assistant to the attorney general in California and as a chief of staff to a San Diego city councilmember. Outside of public service, Perkins spent more than 11 years as an executive vice president and a director for two solid waste disposal companies. Much of his professional experience has also included working with labor groups and negotiating labor agreements.
“Spokane is a place that aligns well with my professional and personal interests,” said Perkins, who has family in the area. “My career, whether in the public or private sector, has been about enhancing customer service and satisfaction with the goal that we exceed expectations.”
The City used a recruiting firm to conduct the search. Seven finalists emerged from more than two dozen applicants from across the country.
