Policy & Regulations
Seattle City Light CEO Resigns
Mayor Jenny Durkan said she asked Larry Weis, the city's highest-paid employee, to resign.
By Dan Shafer December 4, 2017
Larry Weis, the CEO of Seattle City Light, has resigned, Mayor Jenny Durkan announced during a press conference on the resignation of Seattle Police Chief Kathleen OToole.
Weis was the highest paid public employee in Seattle, making $340,000 a year. According to Crosscut, he was also looking for a bonus. His hire was confirmed in March 2016.
Durkan just announced that she has accepted the resignation of Larry Weis, ceo of Seattle City Light
SCC Insight (@SCC_Insight) December 4, 2017
Durkan said she asked for Weis resignation.
She did not draw a direct line from any one issue that led to the resignation, but said If we pay in a certain range, we expect a certain performance.
Durkan declined to say why Weis will leave, but mentioned “everything from billing to the working environment” as issues. Asked about next director’s compensation (Weis made base of $340K), @MayorJenny said: “If we pay in a certain range, we expect a certain performance.”
Erica C. Barnett (@ericacbarnett) December 4, 2017
Durkans office issued a release on the resignations, saying about City Light:
With the resignation of Seattle City Light CEO And General Manager Larry Weis, Durkan also appointed Jim Baggs as the interim head to Seattle City Light as a national search is conducted to identify her permanent hire. Baggs is currently the Chief Compliance Officer. In addition, Durkan asked Mami Hara, the leader Seattle Public Utilities, to continue serving in her role.
Seattle City Light recently drew criticism for sexism and sexual harassment among employees, as reported by The Stranger.
Seattle City Light has also seen challenges in rethinking its business plan to adjust to modern challenges. Read more on that issue and more in this feature story from our November issue.