‘Bridging the gap’

EPHRATA — When City Clerk Katie Kapalo arrived at Ephrata City Hall in June 2024, she didn’t just step into a job she’d never heard of before applying – she stepped into a role that would soon reshape how the city communicates, connects and prepares for the future.

Kapalo, who is leaving her position in April for a family move to Southern California, is departing after less than two years in the role. But colleagues say her impact will be felt long after she packs her office. 

“She will be really greatly missed here,” said Mayor Steve Oliver. “Katie facilitates everything so smoothly. We don’t have any issues at all. We know anything she does will get done well and immediately.” 

The city will begin interviewing candidates March 16, Kapalo said.  

A role she built as she went 

When Kapalo stepped into the position, it had recently been split from the longtime combined clerk‑finance director role held by Leslie Trachsler. One‑third of her job came with a blueprint. The other two‑thirds, communications and human resources; she built from scratch.  

“We call it the three‑headed beast,” she said. “Clerking, communications, and HR. No two clerks are the same, and I really wanted to honor what Leslie had built while also growing the new parts of the job.” 

Kapalo graduated from Big Bend Community College with a degree in business management while also managing a full-time job at Granco Federal Credit Union. After working as the lead teller, she saw the opening in the city and decided to go for it.  

She said, prior to this role, she didn’t really know what a city clerk was or what they did. But, after some research, she said her goals were simple: strengthen communication, modernize public access and create systems that would outlast her. 

“I just wanted to set our city up for success,” she said. “My job is bigger than just me.” 

A communications overhaul 

Kapalo’s most visible legacy is the city’s communications transformation – a new website, a mobile app, expanded social media presence and the launch of livestreamed council meetings. 

“It wasn’t easy, but it was obvious we needed it,” she said. “People are more interactive with their city now. You can tangibly see it.” 

Residents noticed. So did the staff. 

“She spearheaded the entire rebranding,” former Mayor Bruce Reim said. “The new website, the new logo, the app, she just quietly did it.” 

The code‑enforcement portal, in particular, became an immediate hit. 

“People raved about how easy it was,” Kapalo said. “We wanted something accessible for all ages, and it worked.” 

A collaborative culture 

City Administrator Ray Towry, who hired Kapalo, said her influence extended far beyond technology. 

“Katie has been an incredible mentor and colleague,” he said. “She’s resourceful, she’s trustworthy, and she always does what’s best for the city.” 

Kapalo said the culture inside City Hall made her success possible. 

“You spend more time with your colleagues than your family,” she said. “Everyone here cares about each other. It’s rare, and it made all the difference.”

Creative problem‑solving 

One of her most creative challenges was the city’s logo redesign, a project she initially felt unqualified for. 

“I have a lot of strengths, but art is not one of them,” she said. 

She partnered with Ephrata High School students, gathered concepts and worked with staff to shape the final design. 

“It really feels like the city being brighter,” she said. “It represents who we are now.” 

Preparing for the future 

Kapalo also began laying groundwork for a major emergency‑preparedness initiative, a project she hopes her successor will continue. 

“My plan was to spend this year researching with our partners: the sheriff’s office, the school district, the hospital. Then, put a plan in place next year,” she said. “That’s something the city really needs.” 

A hometown perspective 

Though she split her childhood between Soap Lake and Ephrata, Kapalo said serving her community changed how she sees it. She spent the first chunk of her schooling in Soap Lake and then, for her junior and senior year, she transferred to the Ephrata School District.  

“As a kid, you don’t realize what a city does,” she said. “This job made me want to be better – a better clerk, a better person. I’m so proud of what we’ve done.” 

What she leaves behind 

Asked what she hoped residents felt when they interacted with her, Kapalo didn’t hesitate. 

“I hope they felt helped,” she said. “That it was easy. That I was kind. That they weren’t scared to come talk to the city.” 

Her legacy, she said, is simple. 

“Bridging the gap,” she said. “Filling the gaps where needed. Being a positive influence.” 

She said she will miss the people she worked alongside, specifically mentioning Towry, who helped mentor her and Kristen McDonnell, her “work bestie,” who was hired alongside Kapalo.  

Looking ahead 

Kapalo and her husband, Nick, are relocating to Southern California for a family opportunity. She hopes to bring “a little Ephrata” with her.  

As she prepares to leave, she wants to remind the community to get involved in their city. 

“Watch our council meetings, tune into our website, call the city if you have questions and maybe most importantly make sure to vote,” she said.  

Kapalo said she is excited for a new chapter and she will miss the community that helped raise her. 

“I’m excited to see where life takes us,” she said. “But I’ll always be proud of this city.” 

Towry said the feeling is mutual. 

“She’s made a lasting impact,” he said. “We’re better because she was here.” 

    Ephrata City Clerk Katie Kapalo, left, started her role in June 2024. She was hired alongside City Finance Director Kristen McDonnell, left, to replace retiring long-term Clerk/Finance Director Leslie Trachsler, middle.