Snohomish County Executive John Lovick announced today that Gary Haakenson will continue to serve in the Executive Office as part of the new administration.

Haakenson was hired in 2010 as the county’s deputy executive. He will now serve as an executive director, focusing on public safety issues.

“Gary is a valued employee. He has a great deal of knowledge that will continue to benefit county residents,” Lovick said. “I’m pleased he has agreed to stay on as we begin to lay out our goals for this office.”

“I’ve enjoyed working for Snohomish County since coming on board,” Haakenson said, “and, I’m grateful for the chance to continue that work.”

Haakenson, a Northwest native, served as Edmonds mayor for 11 years prior to his work for Snohomish County. He began his business career as a manager at J.C. Penney before later co-founding Lynnwood-based Zumiez, a national retail clothing chain with more than 500 stores.

In 2000, he began his first term as mayor of Edmonds, with a population of more than 40,000, before being re-elected to terms beginning in 2004 and 2008. Prior to his election as mayor, Haakenson served on the Edmonds City Council for four years from 1996 through 1999.

Haakenson earned his degree in business administration in 1971 from Seattle University and is a graduate of Blanchet High School. He is married to Dolly Haakenson, and together, they have two married sons.