Renton’s Alex Pietsch to head Governor’s Aerospace Office
Published 7:10 am Tuesday, March 13, 2012
A key City of Renton official who has helped guide the city’s growth and development for more than a decade has been appointed to head the new Governor’s Aerospace Office.
Gov. Chris Gregoire announced on Monday the appointment of Alex Pietsch, the city’s administrator for the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Pietsch’s last day is March 23. A decision about replacing him will be made in the next couple weeks, according to city spokeswoman Preeti Shridhar.
“Renton has benefitted greatly from Alex’s contributions over the past 11 years. He has been a visionary and a strategic thinker for our city,” said Mayor Denis Law. “From The Landing, the Seahawks and the Federal Reserve Bank, to the Renton Farmers Market, and marketing Renton through the Community Marketing Campaign, Alex has definitely left his mark here.”
The Governor’s Aerospace Office will coordinate state efforts to support the state’s aerospace industry, as well as guide the development and implementation of strategies to promote expansion of Washington’s aerospace sector, according to a press release.
“We are sad to see him (Pietsch) go but pleased to know that he will be well-positioned to help Renton in the future as we continue to grow the aerospace sector here,” said Law in a statement.
As director, Pietsch will chair the Washington Aerospace Council and lead state government efforts to coordinate with private state aerospace industry associations. He will also be responsible for defining state government’s aerospace industry strategy, identifying priorities, and evaluating the effectiveness and impact of current and proposed aerospace economic development investments, according to the state press release.
Pietsch has worked closely with The Boeing Co. as the company has expanded production of the 737 in Renton to record levels and as it ultimately decided to build the 737 MAX in Renton.
“Alex comes highly recommended and brings to the role extensive experience in economic development and in working with the aerospace industry,” Gregoire said. “He knows the importance of keeping our state economically competitive, and I look forward to his guidance and expertise as we continue to build our important aerospace sector.”
In addition, Pietsch will serve as executive director of the Washington Aerospace Partnership, the partnership between government, labor, and business that lead the successful efforts to secure the Boeing 767 Tanker contract and 737 MAX production opportunities for Washington state.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Washington’s aerospace cluster,” said Pietsch. “We have achieved a tremendous amount and, yet, there is significant work to do. I am excited about the opportunity to work with Governor Gregoire and our public and private partners across the state to preserve and enhance Washington’s position as the worldwide center of aerospace.”
Gregoire created the new Aerospace Office to enhance Washington state’s competitiveness in the global aerospace industry, in addition to other long term investments for strengthening Washington state’s aerospace cluster.
Pietsch joined the City of Renton in 2001 as Economic Development Director before heading the Department of Community and Economic Development in 2003. In that role, he was charged with all aspects of the city’s land use planning and permit processes, and led the city’s economic development activities, including business recruitment and retention.
