June 4, 2025
The Lakewood City Council appointed Tho Kraus as interim City Manager while it conducts its search for a permanent city manager.
Kraus fills the vacancy left by City Manager John J. Caulfield, who retires June 5, 2025.
In addition to this leadership role, Kraus continues to serve as the city’s Chief Financial Officer, overseeing Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology.
With a focus on transparency, efficiency and service, Kraus has strengthened the city’s financial position and internal systems. Under her leadership, the city has received multiple recognitions from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), including the Triple Crown Award, a distinction awarded only to a small number of governments nationwide.
Kraus joined the City of Lakewood in October 2013 after a distinguished career with the city of Federal Way, where she spent 19 years. She previously worked for the City of Tacoma and the Clover Park School District. Kraus grew up in Lakewood and is a Clover Park High School alumnus. She graduated from the University of Washington Foster School of Business with a BA in business administration with an accounting concentration.
During this transitional period, Kraus is committed to providing stable leadership, ensuring transparency, and maintaining continued progress until a permanent city manager is appointed.