Island County introduces new hires across public health, roads, solid waste and prosecutor's office

Island County commissioners used their Oct. 14 regular session to introduce several new county employees.

Jen Schmitz of public health introduced Elise Adams as the Marine Resources Committee (MRC) coordinator. Schmitz said Adams holds a B.A. in communication and a master's degree in marine affairs from the University of Washington, has experience with the Endangered Species Act and NOAA placements, and will support MRC volunteer networks and public health preparedness.

A road shop supervisor identified as Chris introduced two on-the-road hires: Caden, described as a laborer with prior roofing and farm experience, and Eli, a truck driver and former firefighter/EMT who relocated from North Carolina. The supervisor said both have been working in the field for several months and are fitting in well.

Jeff Hedges, Solid Waste Manager, introduced Scott Sollers, a Coupeville native with prior work at the Island County Housing Authority and other roles; Hedges said Sollers is learning the technical aspects of solid waste management and has a customer-service orientation.

Prosecuting Attorney Greg Banks introduced two hires for his office: Nicole Reynolds, a deputy prosecutor assigned to the district court unit who recently was sworn in and is awaiting final state paperwork, and Kevin McCray, named chief civil deputy prosecutor, whose background includes Navy service and prosecutorial experience in other counties.

These introductions were ceremonial; no formal personnel actions were taken on the record during the Oct. 14 session.