Camas city administrator announces retirement, effective Jan. 1, 2020

The city of Camas has a new mayor and, soon, a new city administrator.

Pete Capell, who has served as Camas’ city administrator since 2013, today announced his retirement, official Jan. 1, 2020.

“It’s been a pleasure to serve the Camas community over the past six years,” Capell stated in a press release sent to media Friday afternoon. “Now, it’s time to focus on the next chapter.”

Capell worked for Clark County — as a county engineer and as the public works director — for 17 years before coming to Camas.

When he interviewed for the Camas city administrator job in 2013, Capell sat before a panel that included current Camas City Councilwoman Melissa Smith, Camas Police Chief Mitch Lackey, former Camas Mayor Nan Henriksen and Port of Camas-Washougal Executive Director David Ripp.

The city will begin its search for a new administrator in the coming weeks. Capell said he will be available through March 2020 to assist the incoming city administrator.

“On behalf of our City, our citizens and staff, I want to thank Pete for his years of dedicated service,” Camas Mayor Barry McDonnell stated in the press release. “I appreciate his willingness to assist with the transition.”

Capell said he and his wife, Kris, plan to travel, enjoy their home on the coast and spend more time with their five grandchildren after his retirement.

To read more about Capell’s retirement and the city’s search for a new city administrator, pick up a copy of the Dec. 19 Camas-Washougal Post-Record.

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