Candidate Reception For Development Services Director On Monday (Photo)
-05/09/25
The City of Richland invites community members to attend a public reception to meet the finalists for the Development Services Director position. The event will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Lounge at the Richland Community Center, 500 Amon Park Drive.
The evening will begin with introductions, followed by an informal meet-and-greet, offering attendees the chance to engage with the candidates. Light refreshments will be served.
The Development Services Director leads the City’s Development Services Department, which encompasses Business & Economic Development, Building/Permitting, Planning, and affordable Housing Programs.
There are four finalists for the position: one from Texas, two from the Washington cities of Sunnyside and College Place, and one internal candidate from Richland.
Derrick Braaten has approximately 19 years of municipal experience primarily in Planning and Development services. Most recently, he was the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Sunnyside, WA. Prior to his time at Sunnyside, Mr. Braaten served as the Planning and Building Department Director for Franklin County, WA. He also served as the Development Services Director and City Planner for the City of Airway Heights, WA. In addition, Derrick has attended Gonzaga University of Law, and the Post-Graduate Public Administration program at Eastern Washington University. He is also certified by the American institute of Certified Planners.
Steven Hohulin is currently the Director of Land Planning with Quiddity Engineering, LLC, in Woodland, TX and has served in this role since 2022. Before his time with Quiddity, Steve worked as the Senior Discipline Manager for Waggoner, in Jackson, MS. He began his planning career in 1989 as Planning Director with the Wade-Trim/ ALMN in Ann Arbor, MI. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University in Urban Geography. Steve is also a member of the American Planning Association and American Institute of Certified Planners.
Michael Rizzitiello has worked with the City of College Place, WA since 2016 as the City Administrator. He began his career in 2008 as an Engineering Intern and gained 17 years of experience with seven different organizations in the city, state, and council-of-government arena. Michael earned a Bachelor of Art's degree in Urban Planning specializing in Land Use and Transportation from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Public Administration degree specializing in local government Administration, Financial Management and Information Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Mike Stevens has spent the last seven years as the Planning Manager for the City of Richland, WA. Prior to his current experience, Mr. Stevens worked as a Senior Planner for the City of West Richland WA, and Pacific County Department of Community Development. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies with an Emphasis in Land Use Planning from Eastern Oregon University.
We encourage community members to attend, ask questions, and help shape the future of development in Richland by getting to know the individuals who may lead this vital department. Your participation is valued and appreciated.
Questions can be directed to Deputy City Manager Joe Schiessl, 509-942-7778.
