The Mayor and City Administrator  provide leadership and direction to carry out the policies set by the City Council. Mayor Pete Kmet has served as Tumwater's mayor for since 2010. City Administrator John Doan was appointed by the Mayor  that same year to direct the day-to-day operation of the City, including budget implementation and growing a great organization. The Executive Department works with the City Council on goal-setting, meeting support, scheduling, public policy, and communications. Department staff work to facilitate City priorities such as the brewery redevelopment, education and engagement programs, and community partnerships. They work closely with other jurisdictions and outside agencies to coordinate public services.

The department produces public information such as the City website, various newsletters, social media, and mailings, manages the City's Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), and hosts educational opportunities like Tumwater University. In 2014, the department reorganized to incorporate the City Clerk and the Brewery Project Management functions. The City Clerk manages the repository for City records, public disclosure requests, and meeting records for the City Council and committees. In addition, the City hired a volunteer coordinator last year that coordinates volunteer and engagement programs for the City of Tumwater, including the new neighborhood grant programs.