Federal Way mayor announces management changes, PACC project director

Following the Federal Way City Council’s recent authorization of the Performing Arts and Conference Center project, Mayor Jim Ferrell has selected a project director for the facility construction, and named two department directors.

June 9, 2014 7:07 pm
Mayor Jim Ferrell (left) has appointed Ken Miller (center) as the new project director for the Performing Arts and Conference Center
Mayor Jim Ferrell (left) has appointed Ken Miller (center) as the new project director for the Performing Arts and Conference Center

Following the Federal Way City Council’s recent authorization of the Performing Arts and Conference Center project, Mayor Jim Ferrell has selected a project director for the facility construction, and named two department directors.

All three positions are members of the mayor’s management team and begin effective June 9.

Ken Miller, longtime Public Works deputy director for the city, will serve in the new position of project director of the center. He will manage the construction of the $32 million project. This assignment is anticipated to be 24-36 months in duration and is critical to ensure the success of the largest public works project in the city’s history.

Miller is a 22-year employee of the city’s Public Works Department and served as deputy director from 2001-2014. Since February, he has served as interim parks director.

Ferrell promoted John Hutton, the city’s recreation supervisor, to fill the interim parks director position that Miller vacated. Hutton is a 22-year member of the city’s Parks Department and has served as recreation supervisor since 2001, a time of remarkable growth in the department’s recreation programs, noted city officials. He is widely-respected for his knowledge, vision and commitment to parks and recreation programs that enhance quality of life in the city.

Ferrell also promoted Marwan Salloum, interim Public Works director, to the permanent director position. He will manage the streets, traffic and development services divisions and its surface water and solid waste utilities.

Salloum has spent his entire 37-year career in Public Works and has been with the city since 1995. During his time with the city, he has been directly involved in the city’s biggest public works projects, including the Pacific Highway South improvements and annual asphalt overlay program, as well as development of long-term capital improvement plans.

“These are exciting times for our city and each of these three positions involves critical areas that directly affect the city’s success in serving the public,” Ferrell said. “The fact that I am able to tap long-time city servants to fill these key positions reflects the outstanding skill and experience throughout the city staff.”