By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Sitka’s former city administrator Keith Brady says his new job in town is at once familiar, and filled with new opportunities for growth.
On August 1, Brady became a partner in ReMax Baranof Realty, managing rental properties for the business. And, he said, he has plans in the works to become a real estate agent and, “hopefully,” later a broker.
“It’s something similar to what I’ve done before,” Brady said, referring to his business before coming to Sitka, managing a small motel that he owned in Utah. “Customer service, getting people connected with a home; the right people in the right homes,” he said.
In Utah, Brady was a member of the elected commission in Emery County in the central part of the state. He and his wife and four children moved to Sitka after he was selected in August of 2017 to become municipal administrator. In June of this year the Assembly, by a narrow vote, terminated him from that position. Brady said he and his family wanted to stay in Sitka, so he was pleased by the encouragement he received, as well as the possible job opportunities. He said he believes ReMax Baranof Realty will be a good fit.
“Leaving wasn’t a consideration for us,” he said. “We really like it here in Sitka. My kids and wife have really been able to do a lot here – that’s been really good.”
Keith Brady stands in front of his new workplace. (Sentinel Photo)
Brady said he’s been getting to know different segments of the community and learning the ropes from partner Travis Vaughan and other members of the ReMax brokerage team. He said property management was a “shoo-in” for him, but he saw the world of real estate as a good opportunity to try something new.
“Working as city administrator is very intense, but I really enjoyed my job and I was really proud of the work I was able to get done,” he said.
At the same time, being back in the private sector has its appeal, particularly the chance to become part owner of a business in a world with less public pressure than his previous position.
Brady’s partner Travis Vaughan said in a statement that he’s glad to have someone of Brady’s caliber on board.
“This added capability will allow us to expand the services we provide to our clients and focus on improving the quality and affordability of housing in our community,” Vaughan said.
