Josh Peters, Jefferson County’s director of the community development department, has been selected as the county’s next administrator. 

“I’m honored to have been selected by the commissioners,” Peters said. “I am humbled that they chose to put their confidence in me. I am excited to get to work.”

Peters was selected over County Commissioner Greg Brotherton and two out-of-county applicants, Roxanne Miles and Sheri Patterson. 

While he has not yet received an offer letter and an official start date hasn’t been set, he will likely start toward the end of June, coinciding with current administrator Mark McCauley retirement. 

Prothman, an executive recruiting firm, led the search, which resulted in 19 candidates from five states. The job was listed for a salary range of $146,472 to $174,895, according to the position profile on Prothman’s website. 

“[McCauley] actually encouraged me to think about applying for the job,” Peters said. “I know he has confidence in me, and as a Port Townsend resident, he has offered to be available to me anytime.” 

Peters has a long history working and living in the county, something Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour said helped his case in vying for the role, among other things.

Peters has extensive experience in public service, and has deep regional knowledge and a strong leadership background, according to a county press release. He’s held roles with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources and has two decades of planning and development experience. Peters worked as a planner for the county from 2000 to 2013 before returning in 2022. He’s served as the director of community development since 2023. 

“I’ve been interested for decades now in governance and public service and problem-solving and community development,” Peters said. “Using all the skills and experience I’ve gained over the years to help that conversation, that discussion around what options are before us, where can we figure this all out together and get to a place that we envision together. That whole process fascinates me.”  

“Josh rose to the top for a few reasons – briefly, he interviewed really well and exhibited his leadership in turning the Community Development Department around the past couple of years as the Director,” Einsenhour wrote. “He also displayed in his interview and as Community Development Director a strong grasp of the regulatory framework at the state level which guides the work we do as a county.”

As county administrator, Peters will serve as the Chief Executive Officer for the county and will be responsible for carrying out all decisions, directives, policies, ordinances and resolutions made by the Board of County Commissioners, according to the county. He will oversee several departments and organizational functions and prepare and implement a balanced budget. 

“I know I wasn’t everyone’s top choice, but I am excited to work with everyone in the county from south county to move forward with our community goals together,” Peters said. 

Before assuming his new role, Peters said his focus would be on finding his replacement.