Joy Fowler – Director, Equity & Inclusion @ City of Vancouver
Our Herd Freed Hartz executive search team was honored to partner with the City of Vancouver, WA, on a nationwide retained executive search to find their new Director, Equity & Inclusion.
As Washington’s fourth-largest city, Vancouver is located on the north bank of the Columbia River, directly across from Portland, Oregon. Ideally situated, Vancouver is less than 90 miles from the Pacific Ocean and bordered by the Cascades to the east. Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood are less than a two-hour drive, and the stunning Columbia River Gorge is just 30 minutes away. Vancouver is one of the oldest cities in the Northwest and was home to Indigenous tribes for millennia before European settlement; its rich history precedes Washington statehood. Vancouver is home to the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, which is adjacent to a thriving downtown. Vancouver also has 90 parks, 20 natural areas, and a 20-mile network of trails for everyone to enjoy. Vancouver combines the excitement of a major metropolitan area with plenty of recreational opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere.
Vancouver is a full-service city with approximately 1,300 employees, a 2025-26 general fund of $528 million and a total biennial budget of $2.1 billion. Vancouver is a leader in innovation and results-oriented services in the region and has become known for transformative approaches to affordable housing, transportation planning, urban redevelopment, addressing homelessness, and evolving community expectations related to policing and public safety.
The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for our employees. We value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We developed and continue to expand strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate barriers to recruitment and advancement, elevate employee understanding of equity, inclusion and cultural competency, and build an inclusive and welcoming place to work.
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