Kenmore Assistant City Manager Nancy Ousley has been awarded the 2016 Washington City/County Management Association Assistant Leadership Excellence Award. The award recognizes the contributions of local government professionals who serve as assistants to chief local government administrators/managers and have made significant contributions toward excellence in leadership.

Through her leadership and vision, Ousley has been able to make a significant difference in the City of Kenmore, a release states. As the economic development lead, she has created and implemented new programs and has developed relationships with key players to bring jobs and new investment to Kenmore, the release continues.

“Nancy has established and promoted Kenmore as a business friendly city that welcomes entrepreneurs and new investments with open arms,” said City Manager Rob Karlinsey. “She has truly made a difference as a leader in our community.”

Here is some of the work Ousley has accomplished in the last nine years according to the City of Kenmore:

Spearheading the Kenmore Business Incubator (KBI): Ousley brought the resources together to create a new incubator for startup companies. She was able to secure the physical space in Kenmore, and the business coaching and mentoring resources that made the incubator so successful. Through the incubator, Ousley has brought dozens of new primary industry jobs to Kenmore, including several high tech startup companies.

Promoting Kenmore and Building Strategic Relationships: In the last couple years, Ousley has led the creation of the ‘Shop more, Play more, Find more, Kenmore’ logo and brand, with accompanying www.FindKenmore.org website to promote local Kenmore businesses. She has also established Kenmore as a Natural Health Hub in partnership with Bastyr University and producers of natural health products and services. Additionally, she established a business registration program and created a new searchable business directory to support local businesses. In addition, she led as a key player in the establishment of the Kenmore Business Alliance (KBA), a new and growing group of Kenmore business owners who meet monthly.

Advocating for New Investment: Ousley has intervened on behalf of investors and business owners to navigate through and streamline processes to facilitate their success. She is in constant and frequent contact with commercial property owners who are looking for ways to attract new jobs and investment. Ousley has also made key connections with developers and investors.