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March 19, 2015

County hires Anderson to lead Emergency Management

SKAGIT COUNTY – Public Works Director Dan Berentson announced today the hiring of Mark Anderson to fill the position of Manager for the Division of Emergency Management.

Anderson succeeds Mark Watkinson, who retired last week after 30 years of service. He will report to work on Monday, April 6.

Anderson, who is currently employed as a deputy fire marshal for Pierce County, formerly served as Fire Chief for the City of Burlington. A native of Skagit County, his work history includes stints as fire chief for Pacific County Fire District 1 in Ocean Park, Washington, and as chief for the City of Woodland.

“Mark’s 29-plus years of fire service experience, including 14 years in leadership and management roles, make him a great fit for this job,” said Berentson. “His knowledge of our community and his relationships with local fire and law enforcement officials are also invaluable.”

Anderson said, “I am pleased to return to Skagit County in a leadership position and look forward to working with the local responders, leaders, and volunteers to make our community a safer place.”
Skagit County sought input from police and fire chiefs from Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley in making the hiring decision. More than 25 candidates applied for the position.
Berentson expressed gratitude to Watkinson upon his retirement.

“We thank Mark for his years of service and his dedication to public safety in Skagit County,” said Berentson. “We wish him well in retirement.”

Emergency Management is a division of Skagit County Public Works.