North Bend has officially found its new City Administrator in the form of Amber Emery, as confirmed in a City Council meeting on Tuesday. Amber Emery, who is stepping into the role with a robust résumé, was presented by North Bend Mayor Mary Miller and received a unanimous nod from the council members. She is expected to bring over 17 years of experience from both the public and private sectors to her new position in North Bend.
Before her confirmation, Emery served as Clark County's Deputy County Manager, and before that, as the Criminal Court Operations Manager for Multnomah County Circuit Court, Portland. Her educational background boasts a Master of Advanced Study in Criminology, Law, and Society from the University of California, Irvine, and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, and Sociology from Washington State University, Vancouver. She's also a member in standing with leading industry organizations, including the International City and County Management Association, and the League of Women in Government. Recruitment for the position began after Bob Larson stepped in as Interim City Administrator in December 2024.
An extensive search ensued, attracting 51 applications. Emery was among the five final candidates to engage in interviews, which included feedback from a community panel and a public reception. According to North Bend Mayor Mary Miller, Emery's selection was influenced by community members’ and panel facilitators’ feedback. Emery will officially begin her responsibilities as City Administrator on July 21, 2025.
During the interim period, Bob Larson has been acknowledged by the council for providing "swift, experienced leadership and guidance" through significant city changes. This includes transitions of police services, and major developments like the Meadowbrook Sewer Utility Local Improvement District (ULID), the 2025 – 2026 Biennial Budget adoption, and the approval of the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update. In her statement, Mayor Miller highlighted her anticipation of Emery's addition to the team, expressing confidence that she “is the right fit for our council, our staff, and our community.”
