Chip Vincent is the new administrator for the City of Renton’s Community and Economic Development Department.
He replaces Alex Pietsch, who was appointed in March by Gov. Chris Gregoire to head the new Governor’s Aerospace Office.
Mayor Denis Law made the announcement Friday. Vincent was appointed interim administrator after Pietsch left.
Vincent will oversee economic development, land use planning and regulation, and services related to all aspects of the development process, while working with key stakeholders to enhance the economic prosperity, vitality, and livability of the community for Renton citizens.
He will serve on Law’s executive team and be responsible for providing vision, leadership, initiative, management, and coordination to implement the mayor and City Council’s goals for citywide community and economic development, according to a city news release.
The department also helps coordinate the city’s response to regional, state, and federal legislative issues that affect Renton.
“Chip is an exceptional addition to our team and comes to this position with rich experience and a great deal of enthusiasm,” said Law. “In a short period of time, he has developed a positive working relationship with his staff and other administrators, and has earned the respect of our regional partners. We are fortunate to have Chip in charge of our wide-ranging efforts to spur investment and opportunities, and provide strong and capable leadership as we go forward to implement the innovative and sustainable plans and policies to realize our vision.”
“Renton is seen as a model in our region for economic development, a thriving business community, dedicated residents, and innovative leadership,” said Chip Vincent. “I am honored and excited to have this opportunity to serve the Renton community, further economic growth and vitality, encourage development and engage our community as we plan for a shared prosperity in the future.”
Vincent has served as the city’s planning director since 2008. In that role he supervised the work of the planning division, which included the application and enforcement of the city’s zoning, shoreline management, and environmental ordinances; review and processing of all land use and subdivision permit applications; representing the city on state, regional and county level growth and planning related boards and committees; and providing technical and professional support to the Planning Commission and City Council committees.
Prior to his appointment as Renton’s planning director, Vincent worked for 20 years for Pierce County Planning and Land Services. Vincent has a B.A. in Urban/Regional Planning and Economics from Western Washington University in Bellingham.
He lives in Tacoma with his wife Carla and two children.
