Former deputy administrator Olson takes top Kitsap County job

Clark County’s former deputy county administrator has a new job in Kitsap County.

Glenn Olson announced his departure as Clark County’s second-in-command last month as a retirement. But it appears that plan didn’t take.

Kitsap County announced last week it has hired Olson as its chief administrative officer, a position analogous to the county administrator job in Clark County.

“It is the top job,” said Doug Bear, public communication manager for Kitsap County. “He starts Sept. 3.”

Olson appeared at one time to be an eventual successor to current County Administrator Bill Barron, who plans to retire in September.

But if that was the will of the Clark County commissioners, it was thwarted when Olson opted for an apparent retirement.

Olson instead takes a role that has been vacant in Kitsap County since its previous administrative officer resigned in April 2011.

Bear did not have information available Monday afternoon on Olson’s pay for his new job.

Olson was paid $147,468 per year in his role in Clark County.

Barron is currently paid $174,252 as Clark County’s top administrator.

For comparison, the U.S. Census’ 2012 estimate has Clark County’s population at 438,287 and Kitsap County’s at 254,991.

A message left for Olson went unreturned as of press time.

Erik Hidle: 360-735-4547; http://twitter.com/col_clarkgov; erik.hidle@columbian.com