During the Chehalis City Council meeting last Monday, Nov. 13, Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson announced her intention to retire from her position by May 1, 2024.
“I’m hoping that will provide enough time for the city council to select a new city manager and have that person come on board,” Anderson told The Chronicle on Monday.
Now 60, Anderson plans on retiring and remaining in Chehalis with her husband, who is already retired.
Her career in civil service has spanned 33 years, not counting her time as an intern.
“I celebrated seven years with the city on my 60th birthday in September, and so I figured the time had come,” Anderson said.
Throughout her seven years in Chehalis, she said it has been an incredible experience working for the community.
“This community is so unique in its spirit of determination and vision and willingness to put in the work to make things happen,” Anderson said. “It is a truly special place, and I’ve very much enjoyed working with the city councils I’ve worked with and this entire community.”
While the search for Anderson’s replacement hasn’t started yet, the council will choose an executive search firm to find qualified candidates to interview. Anderson said the firm will be chosen during the next Chehalis City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 27.
Anderson grew up in Torrance, California, and later went to Long Beach State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in public administration and policy.
She took an internship with the city of Norwalk, but later after finishing school, she worked in the private sector for a small start-up.
After realizing she wanted to once again work in a governmental role, she became employed as a management analyst in Norwalk, and was later promoted through the ranks to the head of the management services division for the city. In all, she spent 11 ½ years working in Norwalk, and also went to graduate school.
She then obtained a job as assistant to the city manager of Seaside, California, and was later promoted to the assistant city manager where she stayed until her position was eliminated due to the recession.
She took a break, which she said ended up being very positive, and was later hired into her first city manager role in Riverbank, California.
She remained there for about 4 ½ years, until she was hired for the job in Chehalis following the retirement of Merlin MacReynold.
