This city leader is stepping down after 8 years guiding Pasco’s explosive growth

After eight years leading the city of Pasco, City Manager Dave Zabell is retiring.

He announced his plan to step down effective Oct. 31 in a news release Monday.

Zabell has worked in city government positions throughout Washington state for 42 years.

“My time in Pasco has been the most rewarding of my career, both personally and professionally,” Zabell said in the release. “I am truly grateful for the confidence the City Council, community, and staff have shown me — it made it a lot easier to do a tough job.”

Pasco has seen explosive growth in his time with the city.

He was hired by Pasco in June 2014, after he’s served as Fife’s city manager for three years.

Before going to Fife, Zabell was deputy city manager in Yakima for six years.

He had worked in government for 33 years, previously serving in Bothell and Marysville.

Zabell was in the Navy from 1976-79, serving aboard the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier before getting his public administration degree from Upper Iowa University and then a master’s from the University of Washington.

At the time he replaced City Manager Gary Crutchfield who was with the city of Pasco for 30 years.

“I was very sad to learn of Mr. Zabell’s upcoming retirement,” Pasco Mayor Blanche Barajas said in the release. “He has been a driving force not only to staff but also a key element to Council. I’ve enjoyed working with him these past five years, as his professional demeanor has always been that of a great leader. He has earned my utmost respect and will be greatly missed.”

The city did not say when it will begin the search for his replacement.

This story was originally published June 20, 2022 at 12:56 PM.