On Sept. 3, the Carnation City Council voted to appoint Rhonda Ender as their next city manager.

“[Her] leadership in economic development, comprehensive plan updates, and municipal code updates, among other responsibilities, has been instrumental in the city’s progress,” Carnation Mayor Jim Ribail said. “Her proven ability to create transparent, efficient processes and collaborate with various government and nonprofit entities makes her the ideal candidate for this role.”

Ender began working for the city in 2023 as head of the community economic development department, where she “spearheaded key initiatives that significantly contributed to the enhancement, beautification, and economic resiliency of the Carnation community,” the city wrote. Ender then accepted the role of deputy city manager in January 2024. Since Ana Cortez’s departure as city manager in July, Ender has acted as interim city manager.

“I’ve enjoyed working in municipal government,” said Ender, who moved to Carnation from the Snoqualmie Ridge several years ago. “Working on improving the community in which I live, that collaboration of loving your job and doing the work because you want to do great things for your community, but also having it be your community, was this really great mix.”

Carnation has a “unique government structure compared to our Valley neighbors,” the city’s website reads. “The council-manager form of government consists of an elected city council which is responsible for policymaking, and a professional city manager — appointed by the council — who is responsible for administration.”

Tasked with providing policy advice, directing daily operations of the city government, handling personnel functions and preparing the city budget, Ender’s new role as city manager aims to improve public services and make them more efficient by introducing professional management and removing politics from the day-to-day administration, according to the city.

Ender has a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in business administration, according to her LinkedIn. Before working for Carnation, Ender spent 15 years working for the Snoqualmie-based nonprofit Encompass NW, which provides programs and services for children and families in the Snoqualmie Valley and across the Eastside.

“Having that community focus was definitely what I was used to working in nonprofit as opposed to working in municipal government,” Ender said. “And I can’t say enough good things about the city council, so being able to work more closely with them and have that larger leadership role in the community is super exciting for me.”

Regarding her goals for her new role in Carnation, Ender has her sights set on improving infrastructure and parks and creating new community gathering spaces, all while focusing on sustainability and supporting the nonprofits and businesses in the area.

“I have a very resident-focused, community-focused approach,” she said. “I want the community to fall in love with their city.”