Outgoing Vancouver City Manager Eric Holmes will receive this year’s First Citizen Award from the Greater Vancouver Chamber, the business organization announced Tuesday.
The award has honored a Clark County resident who models good citizenship through leadership, action and civic pride since 1939. Various organizations have administered the award over the years. The chamber took it over in 2022.
Holmes, 54, has 30 years of experience in public service, the past 14 as Vancouver’s city manager. He announced his retirement earlier this year effective Oct. 11.
“This prestigious accolade, a time-honored tradition since 1939, recognizes Holmes’ extraordinary contributions to the community, his exemplary leadership and commitment to civic engagement,” the Greater Vancouver Chamber’s news release stated.
Holmes began his career as a planner for Clark County. He then served as the city of Washougal’s planning director and city of Battle Ground’s city manager. He became Vancouver’s economic development director in 2008, and two years later, he took over as city manager.
During his term, Vancouver experienced significant urban growth, a more resilient economy and a community diversity increase, according to the chamber’s news release.
Holmes’ leadership resulted in the 2023-2029 Vancouver Strategic Plan, affordable housing initiatives and the transformation of Vancouver’s Columbia River waterfront, according to the news release.
Outside of the city manager role, Holmes served on the Washington State University Vancouver Campus Advisory Council, the Portland State University Local Government Advisory Committee and the board of directors for the Washington City/County Management Association.
The Greater Vancouver Chamber’s 2024 Business & Leadership Awards ceremony will honor Holmes and celebrate local businesses and individuals Oct. 10.
“Holmes is known for his community-building efforts, collaborative spirit and innovative problem-solving,” the news release stated. “His leadership style, characterized by strategic thinking and a deep commitment to the community’s collective aspirations, has left an indelible mark on Vancouver.”
