Kenmore City Council members chose community activist and volunteer Stacey Denuski to fill in for Deputy Mayor Glenn Rogers as he takes a leave of absence.

Denuski moved to Kenmore with her husband and two boys in 2001 and has been active in the community ever since.

“I have two children and am passionate that the city where they grow up is safe, has passive and active play spaces, a sense of community, and a good economic base,” she said. “I have volunteered in many ways over the years, and would like to expand my commitment to the city as a council member. I would like to help Kenmore reach its goals and shape the city’s future in a way that allows all citizens to be heard, acknowledged and respected.”

Rogers is taking a leave of absence for four to six months for health-related reasons. He was involved in a rear-end-collision in February on the way to his son’s wedding in New Jersey, which resulted in whip lash, pain throughout Rogers’ back and neck and a sustained traumatic brain injury. The pain resulting from the whip lash is subsiding, but he is dealing with symptoms of the traumatic brain injury on a daily basis.

“My leaving the council was self-initiated,” Rogers said. “As I tried to keep up with the daily work of the city, I found that I couldn’t do that. I felt I was not able to accomplish what the citizens of our city elected me to do. It also concerned me that my absence from our seven-member council left it without a tiebreaker vote.”

Denuski said she is honored to take over for Rogers.

“I greatly respect Glenn and wish him well in his recovery,” she said.

Requirements for applicants were that they must be a registered voter of the city of Kenmore, have a two-year continuous period of residency and hold no other public office or employment under the city of Kenmore government.

“I think the world of Stacey,” said Kenmore City Manager Rob Karlinsey. “We look forward to working with her and we are excited to have her on board.”

Denuski grew up in Shoreline. She has a private pilot license and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1994 with an Electrical Engineering degree. She works as a flight test engineer for Boeing.

“I volunteer extensively in the community and believe that volunteering and being engaged is an important part of building a community,” Denuski said. “Volunteering has made me familiar with many of the city processes, as well as the council and city employees.”

Denuski has served as project leader for the $100,000 Kenmore Elementary Playground Restoration Project, a Play Committee Member for the city of Kenmore, a volunteer for the City of Kenmore Michelle Obama “Let’s Move” campaign and a social service chairperson for Kenmore Elementary School, including project management for Thanksgiving, Secret Santa and crisis support programs.

“I would like to see Kenmore as a city that residents, businesses and visitors find safe and inviting,” Denuski said. “Recent park activity and adoption of the PROS plan will ensure we have waterfront access, a network of parks, trails, open spaces and recreational facilities that provide passive and active recreation.”

Denuski has high hopes for Kenmore’s future.

“I see Kenmore continuing to work on multimodal safety, attracting new businesses, and revitalizing the downtown core area to be diverse and pedestrian friendly,” she said. “I also envision that the increased use of volunteers and inviting public comment on issues will create a better sense of community and pride in our city.”