Praising the pair as dedicated public servants, the Lewis County commissioners recognized the former city managers of Chehalis and Centralia during their meeting Tuesday morning.
“What is great about local government is that we can choose to focus on what we agree on more than what we disagree on,” former Chehalis City Manager Jill Anderson said. “We can have disagreements and still agree on other things, other matters. We can still respect each other. We can respect each other’s intentions. It’s not about the party. It’s about solutions. It’s about the community.”
The recognition comes after Anderson and former Centralai City Manager Rob Hill recently ended their tenures as the heads of the Twin Cities. Anderson retired after more than seven years leading Chehalis, while Hill called it a career after 14 years leading Centralia.
Anderson grew up in Torrance, California, and attended Long Beach State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in public administration and policy. After graduating, she began as an intern with the city of Norwalk before moving to the private sector. Anderson returned to Norwalk as a management analyst and was promoted through the ranks to the head of the management services division. In all, she spent 11-and-1/2 years working in Norwalk. Anderson took a position as assistant to the city manager of Seaside, California, before a promotion to assistant city manager.
In her remarks, Lewis County Commissioner Lindsey Pollock said Anderson played a key role in the team effort to improve Recreation Park.
“I think many of us drive by that on a regular basis and are impressed by what the City of Chehalis has managed to put together in that little jewel there,” Pollock said, adding that Anderson was also key in both updating the city’s comprehensive plan and securing water rights.
Hill, who plans to split his time between Arizona and Centralia, said one of the “most attractive things” about working for Centralia was the partnership with the county.
“The county is just a great partner, great partner,” Hill said. “I’ve always said, ‘It’s just a bunch of good folks.’ And I know that it sounds a little hokey, but it really is. We just have good folks, a good sense of community, and that works for all of us.”
Hill began his career in 1986 working for the U.S. Forest Service at the Lake Davis Recreation Area in Portola, California, and later worked in the Susanville Parks and Recreation Department.
“One thing I appreciate about Rob so much is that he’s a leader of leaders,” Lewis County Commissioner Sean Swope said. “And just thinking about the last four years that I’ve been able to build a relationship with you, that’s gone way beyond a professional relationship, and just being friends.”
During the ceremony, Swope gifted Hill with a historical coin, one that Swope described as “one of his favorites.” The commemorative coin depicts an eagle holding two olive branches, which Swope said was representative of the peace that Hill brought. The opposite side of the coin features balanced scales, which Swope said symbolizes Hill's balanced approach.
“Just personally from me, it’s a token of my appreciation,” Swope said. “And I just hope that when you see this, you’ll think of me, and maybe say a prayer for me, and just that I’d make the right decisions at the right times.”
