Lee Napier, the longtime head of the Lewis County Community Development Department, officially called it a career on Friday.
Before her retirement, Napier’s colleagues recognized her for her commitment to Lewis County during a reception at the Lewis County Courthouse on Wednesday. Napier joined Lewis County in 2012 from Grays Harbor County, where she served as the planning and building director, according to previous reporting by The Chronicle.
“I’m really grateful for the time to be here. I have a lot of fond memories, and I think Lewis County is an amazing place to work and to live,” Napier said. “And I wish everybody the best.”
Bob Russell, a longtime Lewis County businessman and member of the Lewis County Planning Commission, said Napier “has been a steady, knowledgeable and consistent force during a challenging period of Lewis County development.
“Her leadership is evident in the highly trained and respected staff she leaves to handle ever emerging challenges,” he wrote in a text. “Lewis County made a GREAT hire 15 years ago and will reap the benefits for many years to come. Thank you, Lee!”
Former Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield, who retired in 2015, recalled his first time meeting Napier.
“I remember looking at her and thinking, ‘You know I’ve been around here a long time, this is a tough environment. That gal is way too nice to ever make it here in Lewis County,’” Mansfield said. “Boy was I wrong. Not that she wasn’t nice, but it’s a really tough environment for what she does, community development.”
Mansfield said with competing interests, it can be challenging for community development to hold their own and stand by their decisions.
“She stood her ground. She was strong, she was tough, she was articulate, and she knew what she was doing,” Mansfield said. “She knew her business when she came here.”
Mindy Brooks, who currently serves as Lewis County’s senior long-range planner, has been appointed community development director.
“We wish Lee well and thank her for all of her awesome service,” Lewis County Manager Ryan Barrett said at the County Commissioner May 21 meeting. “We excitedly welcome Mindy aboard.”
