SEQUIM — The City of Sequim announced Wednesday that Charisse Deschenes has accepted the newly-created position of Deputy City Manager and Director of Community Development and Economic Development.

Deschenes has filled many roles with the City since coming aboard in 2014 as a Senior Planner. She has served as Assistant to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Interim City Manager.

Deschenes is a graduate of the Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy, Leadership International City County Management Association, and the Senior Executive Institute, and has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. She was awarded the 2021 Washington City/County Management Association Outstanding Assistant Award for Under 10,000 Population.

Deschenes has a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Resource Management, a Master’s in Business Administration, and has studied in the Master of Urban & Regional Planning program.

City Manager Matthew Huish said in a statement that Deschenes will lead her team in the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Review, implementation of a new software platform, and updating the municipal code, as well as working with City Council and regional entities on housing matters.