City Manager Update: October 2024
October 4, 2024
Last February, City Manager Eric Holmes announced his pending retirement, effective Oct. 11, after 17 years with the City – 14 of those years in his current position. Following a nationwide search that included input from the community and City employees, Vancouver Deputy City Manager Lon Pluckhahn was chosen to be Holmes’ successor. Pluckhahn, who has 30 years of local government experience and joined the City in 2021, will officially become City Manager at 5:01 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11.
The following are their departing and incoming messages to the community:
Farewell from Eric Holmes
It has been my honor to serve as Vancouver’s city manager over the last 14 years.
Together, we have accomplished so much in support of realizing the tremendous potential Vancouver holds, while honoring our region’s rich heritage.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and look forward to seeing what the next chapter for Vancouver holds.
Hello from incoming City Manager Lon Pluckhahn
Welcome to October!
As I step into a new role as City Manager, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to departing City Manager Eric Holmes and to the Mayor and Council for this opportunity. First to Eric, for originally bringing me to Vancouver and for his steady leadership of the last 15 years. Second, to the Mayor and City Council for their confidence in me as Vancouver’s 11th City Manager.
I have several priorities for the remainder of 2024, first among them, the recruitment of a new Police Chief. Chief Mori has led the department with vision and compassion, and I am looking forward to selecting a chief that will continue to build on this foundation. The internal recruitment process is well underway with interviews expected in the third week of October, and opportunities for the community to meet any candidates before the end of the month. You can follow the recruitment process and stay informed about these opportunities on Be Heard Vancouver.
Second, starting the process for the recruitment of a new Deputy City Manager. I am anticipating this to be a national search that will have opportunities for internal and external stakeholders to meet and provide feedback on candidates. With the end of the year rapidly approaching, I would expect to be filling this position no later than April 2025.
Over the next few months, I will be setting up office hours at various City facilities. I expect to make this a regular part of my calendar, so keep an eye out for announcements.
Thank you to all in the community for everything you do to help make the City successful. I am looking forward to guiding Vancouver into its next era.
