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Kitsap County News
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Dec. 2, 2024
Kitsap County appoints Rafe Wysham as new DCD Director
Wysham joins the County after 26 years of exemplary service and leadership in the US Navy. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1998 where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanography, graduating with Honors. He most recently served as the Executive Officer of Naval Base Kitsap, retiring from the US Navy last month.
“The Department of Community Development serves a crucial role related to the County’s housing affordability, environmental preservation, and economic development, so finding the right person was our top priority,” said Katie Walters, chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. “Rafe Wysham was the unanimous choice of all interview panels for his strong leadership skills, professional abilities, knowledge of and commitment to this area, and ability to bring a team together for a common purpose.” Wysham was selected from over 90 applications received from local, national, and international candidates after a rigorous selection process.
“We are delighted to have this exceptional executive leader join our county team,” said Torie Brazitis, County Administrator. “DCD was hit hard over the past five years by record permit volumes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and staff turnover during the Great Resignation, which made it challenging to stabilize operations. Our most critical need in this position is leadership and staff development. Rafe’s strong record of team development, customer service, stakeholder relationships, and data-driven process improvements was compelling. Our vision is that DCD will become the best workplace in the Puget Sound region for community development professionals. I’m confident Rafe will lead us there.”
“We deeply appreciate the patience of DCD staff and stakeholders as we moved through the hiring process,” said Brazitis. “Their input played a crucial role in our recruitment.”
After training and service in the F-14 Tomcat and FA-18F Super Hornet, Wysham became the VFA-102 “Diamondbacks” Commanding Officer in July 2015, taking command while onboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and leading the squadron in Indo-Asia-Pacific operations. Shore assignments include Executive Assistant to Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy; Sixth Fleet Deputy Director of Operations; subject matter expert in Controlling Close Air Support as a Forward Air Controller at Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific; training officer with the “Gladiators” of VFA-106, the east coast FA-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron; and the senior naval liaison to the Western Air Defense Sector. He graduated with distinction from the Naval War College and Royal College of Defence Studies, obtaining a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies and a Post-Graduate Certification from Kings College London in International Security and Strategy. His decorations include the Legion of Merit (two awards), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal and numerous campaign and unit medals and citations.
Wysham will replace Interim Director/Fire Marshal David Lynam, who had been serving in the role since Acting DCD Director David Kinley resigned in May and DCD Director Jeff Rimack left Kitsap County in March. Interim Director David Lynam will return to his role as Fire Marshal and continue his leadership of the department’s current permit process improvement program set to launch in the first quarter of 2025.
Kitsap’s Department of Community Development (DCD) is dedicated to fostering quality, affordable, safe, and environmentally sound communities. With 91 employees and an annual operating budget of $15.6 million, DCD provides comprehensive services including long range and current planning, development engineering, natural resources planning, code development and enforcement, fire investigations, and permitting.
Comprised of four main divisions – Building and Fire Safety, Planning and Environmental Programs, Development Engineering, and Administrative and Permit Services – the department has distinguished itself through numerous achievements. DCD has earned national awards for its innovative permitting system, risk check fire inspection program, and public records request response system. The department has also received two Governor's Awards for comprehensive planning efforts and is recognized by federal and state agencies as the organization for Puget Sound Restoration efforts.
Located in Washington, Kitsap County is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh-largest county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities.
Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit www.kitsap.gov or follow us on social media @KitsapWa.
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Questions? Contact Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777 or [email protected]
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