A top Snohomish County official has announced he is leaving, the latest departure in a growing exodus.
County executive director Tom Fitzpatrick said he is quitting to return to private law practice, rejoining former state Supreme Court Justice Phil Talmadge.
Fitzpatrick said he has enjoyed working for the Snohomish County executive and the civil division of the prosecuting attorney’s office.
“I appreciate the opportunity that Aaron Reardon gave me to serve as executive director, but a tremendous opportunity is in front of me that I can’t pass up,” he said in a statement.
His last day is Wednesday, Reardon spokeswoman Donna Ambrose said.
Reardon praised his efforts.
“Tom has done an excellent job for Snohomish County,” he said. “His work on the comprehensive plan was especially valuable. He helped to raise the level of professionalism at the county, and he will be missed.”
Fitzpatrick was appointed by Reardon last year to oversee the Department of Planning and Development Services, Paine Field, environmental policy and economic development.
His departure marks the fourth high-ranking official to leave the county since December. County public works director Peter Hahn left in December after 13 years; Bob Derrick, a division manager overseeing economic development and housing, left in December; and emergency management director Roger Serra resigned in January.
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