Renton police chief to take over as interim city CAO

Ed VanValey became police chief in 2018 after serving since 1998. Now he will take one of the highest administrative roles within the city, and the deputy chief will take over the police department.

By Haley Ausbun • November 30, 2020 1:30 am
Police Chief Ed VanValey gives a speech at his swearing in. Photo by Ava Van, City of Renton.
Police Chief Ed VanValey gives a speech at his swearing in. Photo by Ava Van, City of Renton.

Mayor Armondo Pavone has announced that Renton Police Chief Ed VanValey will be the interim Chief Administrative Officer for the city of Renton.

Ed VanValey was appointed police chief in 2018. Now his deputy chief Jon Schuldt will replace him as interim police chief when he assumes his new role on Dec. 1, 2020.

“Ed has been with us for many years, successfully building strong relationships within the city, our community, and the region,” Mayor Pavone stated in the release. “I am confident his leadership will serve us well as we move forward.

VanValey will be the third CAO in the city’s history, which created the position in 1998. The city has not had a chief administrative officer (CAO) since former city manager Bob Harrison’s departure in May. He was recently appointed as the city manager for Yakima. The CAO reports to the mayor and serves as a liaison between the administration and city council. His administrative duties involve directing, coordinating, and facilitating city projects, programs and policies, and reviewing and making recommendations on complex personnel and performance issues, policy interpretations, and resource allocation.

“I am honored and proud to be appointed as the City of Renton’s interim Chief Administrative Officer. Having started with the City of Renton almost 32 years ago as a high school student seeking temporary employment, to my most recent position as the Chief of Police, I have been lucky enough to serve my community in several amazing and different positions,” VanValey said in a statement. “With each position, my responsibility and focus has been the professional treatment and care of our community, guests and employees. I will continue to work with our community and city leaders to provide the exceptional service they deserve. “

VanValey is a Lindbergh High School graduate and been with Renton Police Department since 1998. In his youth he also worked in Renton’s Parks and Recreation department. He graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in Law and Justice.

Like VanValey, Schuldt is a longtime Renton police officer, who was appointed to deputy chief in 2018. He started his career with Renton in 1995.

Jon Schuldt, now interim Renton Police Chief. Courtesy photo/City of Renton.

“I’m also very pleased to have someone of Jon’s experience and leadership to take over as police chief. Our department has a well-earned reputation for its dedication, professionalism, and respect when dealing with our community. These ideals will continue under Jon’s leadership,” Pavone stated in the press release.