Spokane Mayor Dennis Hession today has named John Pilcher, who has served as Acting Deputy Mayor since the end of December, to serve in that position on a permanent basis effective March 1. The Mayor is changing the position's title to Chief Operating Officer to better reflect its duties and responsibilities.

"John came to the City with a wealth of experience and skill and since joining our team has been an effective and energetic leader in our organization," Mayor Hession said. "We are very excited about having him serve our the City and our community as our new Chief Operating Officer."

"I want to thank Mayor Hession for this opportunity," Pilcher said. "This is a big challenge, and I look forward to working with the Mayor, City Council, City employees, and citizens to help Spokane be more responsive and effective in its delivery of services."

The appointment does not require City Council approval, but the Mayor did speak with all the City Council Members today about the change.

Separately, Mayor Hession terminated the employment contract of Jack Lynch, who served as Deputy Mayor and City Administrator since early 2001. The Mayor thanked Lynch for his dedicated service to the City and the citizens of Spokane and wished him well on his future endeavors.

Pilcher has diverse background in business and management. He joined the City in 2005 and helped create the new Division of Economic Development at the City. Previously, he was the chief operating officer at ConoverBond Development, vice president for strategic planning at Sunhawk.com, director of seaport business services at the Port of Seattle, and worked in management at Glacier Park Co. and its parent company, Burlington Resources.

He also founded a property management, investment, and consulting firm, working on projects in five western states and British Columbia, and he has significant experience in real estate development. Pilcher has a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Puget Sound and a master's degree in business administration from Harvard University.

Within the community, Pilcher is a board member and treasurer for Spokane Athletic Club and a graduate of Leadership Spokane. He lives in Hangman Valley with his wife, Marni, and their 3-year-old daughter Anna Rose. He has climbed mountains on four continents, including a 21-day solo ascent of Denali in Alaska. He has taught corporate finance in the new MBA program at Whitworth College.