The city of Kirkland has appointed Adam Weinstein as its new director of planning and building.

Weinstein will replace former director, Eric Shields, who died in November after a multi-year battle with cancer. Weinstein joined the city of Kirkland’s planning department as deputy director in December 2017.

“During his time with the city of Kirkland, Adam Weinstein has demonstrated an extensive depth of knowledge in the field of planning, and proven himself as a leader in his department and throughout the organization,” city manager Kurt Triplett said in a city press release. “I believe the skills that Adam brings to the position will help us continue to achieve our vision of being a vibrant, attractive, green and welcoming place to live, work and play.”

Prior to coming to Kirkland, Weinstein worked as deputy director of community development/planning manager for the city of Pleasanton, California, according to the release. He also spent more than 10 years managing multi-year, multi-phase planning and environmental review projects for LSA Associates, Inc., based in Seattle and Berkeley, California.

Weinstein holds a master’s degree in city planning from the University of California and a bachelor of science from the University of Wisconsin.

“It is a great honor to have the opportunity to serve the Kirkland community, the city council, and the staff and leadership at the city of Kirkland,” he said in the release. “I look forward to building on the incredible legacy of former director Eric Shields.”