Pasco appoints Haley Miller as new community development director

In the bustling atmosphere of Pasco City Hall, the air was filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia as the city council convened on March 17, 2025. The meeting was marked by significant personnel changes that promise to shape the future of the city’s administration.

City Manager, Mr. Zabel, announced the transition of Finance Director Darcy Buckley to a new role as Finance Training and Compliance Lead. This move, he emphasized, is a remarkable opportunity for Buckley to continue her leadership and mentorship within the department. Having joined the city nearly nine years ago, Buckley has been instrumental in transforming the finance department into a well-run entity known for its reliability and sophistication. Zabel expressed mixed feelings about her departure from the director position, highlighting the positive impact she has had on the city and its staff. The council will soon begin the search for a new finance director to fill the vacancy left by Buckley.

In another notable announcement, Risha Bridal will be stepping down from her role as interim Community and Economic Development Director to return to her full-time duties as Deputy City Manager. The council welcomed Haley Miller as the new Community and Economic Development Director, set to start on April 28. Miller brings with her 15 years of experience in community development, having served in leadership roles in other cities, including Ferndale and Marysville. The council expressed enthusiasm for her arrival, anticipating her contributions to the city’s growth.

The meeting also recognized the dedication of council members, with Mr. Graham commending the efforts of Mr. Redfield in the city’s abatement program. He highlighted the perfect attendance of council members Parales and Blaisdale, noting their commitment to community involvement.

As the evening progressed, the council prepared for a brief executive session to discuss real estate matters, signaling the ongoing efforts to enhance Pasco’s infrastructure and community resources. The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism for the future, as the city embraces new leadership and continues to build on its successes.