Vancouver’s deputy finance director, Lisa Brandl, has been promoted to serve as the city’s deputy city manager.
Brandl replaces Brian Carlson, who’s retiring this month. Carlson has served as deputy city manager since March 2020, following 18 years as Vancouver’s director of Public Works.
Her promotion is part of a larger restructuring at City Hall, which will see the deputy city manager’s duties divided between two positions. Her cohort, Lou Pluckham — hired from his role as city manager of Marion, Iowa — will start on Aug. 2.
Brandl will handle “enterprise services,” according to a press release from the city, overseeing information technology, human resources, emergency management, communications, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
“I am honored to be appointed deputy city manager for the city of Vancouver and to have the opportunity to serve our thriving and innovative community in this new role,” Brandl said.
Upon starting his position next week, Pluckham will manage community and economic development. His role also encompasses parks, recreation, cultural services and program management teams.
According to the job posting for the positions, both of their salaries are between $184,652 and $239,802 per year. They’ll answer to City Manager Eric Holmes.
Brandl was originally hired as Vancouver’s deputy finance director in March. Prior to that role, she’d served as chief operating officer for Riverside County, Calif., a county home to around 2.47 million residents.
She holds a master’s degree in public administration from California Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting and finance from California State University San Bernardino.
“At the time of her original hire, Lisa was recognized as having the experience and qualifications that would make her an exceptional candidate for deputy city manager,” Holmes said. “I am pleased that she has been willing to make this transition into a different leadership role at the city.”
