The City of Tacoma has hired Gwen Schuler as its new community and media services manager. The news was first reported in “Take 5,” City Hall’s weekly newsletter online here. Prior to joining the City on July 9, Schuler was the director of communications at San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from St. Edwards University.

On June 22, Tacoma City Manager T. C. Broadnax announced community relations manager Rob McNair-Huff would leave the city on June 29. McNair-Huff worked for the city for six years.

It is the latest high-profile employee departure from City Hall since Broadnax began as city manager in February.

On May 4, deputy city manager Rey Arellano resigned. Arellano served as deputy city manager since 2006, was appointed interim city manager in July 2011 after Tacoma City Council voted not to extend former city manager Eric Anderson’s employment contract, and was one of five people who applied for the vacant city manager position. Broadnax was eventually hired for the position. Prior to Tacoma, Arellano worked for the City of San Diego as the deputy city manager and chief information officer from 2002 to 2006, and from 1999 to 2002 he was a group project manager for Ryder System, Inc.

On May 18, Tacoma’s finance director Bob Biles also resigned. Biles was hired in 2008. Additionally, Tacoma’s community and economic development director Ryan Petty resigned on May 25. Petty was hired in 2004. Finally, Tacoma Fire Department Chief Ronald W. Stephens retired March 29. Stephens was appointed fire chief in 2006, and served 35 years with the department.