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December 10, 2002
SKAGIT COUNTY - The Skagit County Board of Commissioners approved the hiring of Tom Karsh to serve as the County's new Natural Resources Policy Administrator at their regular board meeting today. Karsh will resign as Director of the County's Planning and Permit Center, to assume the new role. Assistant Planning and Permit Center Director Gary Christensen will serve as Interim Director until the position is filled. "I'm really excited about this new position. I can really focus on my interests and background," said Karsh. Karsh holds a degree in Environmental Science from Humboldt State University. He was hired by Skagit County in 1979 as an environmental health specialist, and later served as manager of the Permit Center and Assistant Planning Director, before being promoted to Planning and Permit Center Director in 1998. Karsh will be responsible for organizing, managing, and coordinating natural resources policies and strategies on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. He will serve as manager for assigned projects focusing on policies associated with critical areas, water resources, agriculture and fish protection, plus drainage and on-site sewage issues. "We have some very serious issues on the table in Skagit County. We need someone of Tom's caliber to coordinate our efforts," said Commissioner Don Munks. "This is a new position, but many of the tasks Karsh will perform would otherwise have to be contracted out at a significant additional expense." Munks said that Karsh will also be responsible for establishing working relationships between Skagit County departments, other agencies, participation with citizen advisory groups, property owners, and other interests. "Tom is a seasoned professional. He will hit the ground running, to help us resolve these critical issues facing Skagit County," said Skagit County Administrator Gary Rowe. Karsh will begin his new job effective January 1, 2003. His salary for his new position will be $73,965 annually. Karsh's annual salary as Planning and Permit Center Director was $80,044. For further information,
contact: Dan Berentson
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