Chamberlain is named city manager

By on Friday, December 9th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council has hired Elizabeth Chamberlain to be the next city manager. She had been serving as acting city manager since Nabiel Shawa retired on Oct. 10.

“Of the eight semifinalists for the position reviewed and considered by council, Elizabeth was unquestionably the best candidate,” Mayor Tom Scribner said. “Council, I believe, chose very well.”

Chamberlain has worked for the city of Walla Walla since 2014. She served as development services director from November 2014 to July 2020, when she became support services director and took on the role of deputy city manager.

“Walla Walla’s future is bright with great projects on the horizon, including WalaWala Plaza, Heritage Square, Mill Creek Sportsplex pickleball courts, potential expansion of the Walla Walla Public Library, continued work on housing policies and continued investment in our infrastructure,” Chamberlain said.

In the city’s 63 years under a council-manager former of government, Chamberlain is the first female city manager. “The city of Walla Walla team is pretty remarkable, and to lead this organization into the future is my honor,” she said.