Vancouver economic director to be interim parks director

Laura Hudson, Vancouver’s Community and Economic Development director, has been appointed interim director of Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation, starting immediately.

Hudson succeeds Pete Mayer, who left the director’s post last week to become chief operating officer and deputy director of the Snohomish Health District.

Vancouver Planning Review Manager Chad Eiken moves into Hudson’s place at the city. Hudson had announced that she planned to retire in early 2013, and Eiken had already been chosen by City Manager Eric Holmes as her replacement.

Hudson has more than 20 years in public and private management experience, the city of Vancouver said in a news release.

Eiken brings more than 24 years of professional planning and management experience to the position, and has spent nearly 20 years at the city of Vancouver.

The parks and recreation director reports to both Vancouver and Clark County officials. The county and city are conducting a nationwide search for a full-time parks and recreation director.

A previous interim parks and recreation director, Bill Hutsinpiller, declined the position less than a week after announcing he would take the temporary job. He cited time and health issues.