Gary has been City Manager in Blaine since February 2000. Prior to coming to Blaine he was the City Administrator in Wenatchee, WA and the County Manager in Gunnison, Co. Gary started his career with local government in 1974 and has worked at local, regional and state levels of government. He also was a municipal bond underwriter for several years in the late 1980’s.

Gary has his bachelor and master degrees from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

He and Renate have been married for 40 years. They have two grown children and three grand children.

Gary’s avocation is auctioneering. He graduated from the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, Montana.  He is a frequent auctioneer for fund raising events throughout Whatcom County where he has raised well over $1 million for local charities.

Though he enjoys travel and golf, his passion is fly-fishing. He sneaks out to near-by streams and lakes as often as he can.

Gary has served twice on the Board of Directors for the Washington City Manager’s Association and is a past president of the Colorado Association of County Administrators.  Gary is treasurer of his Rotary Club and a member of the Whatcom County Commission Against Domestic Violence. He also serves on the Association of Washington Cities Small Cities Advisory Committee.