City of Mercer Island issued the following announcement.
City Manager Jessi Bon announced today three staff transitions at the top levels of City leadership that will take effect in the coming weeks.
Mercer Island’s Fire Chief Steve Heitman has accepted a position leading the Renton Regional Fire Authority, where as Chief, he will oversee all operations and services delivered by 180 personnel from seven separate fire stations.
After first joining Mercer Island Fire Department (MIFD) in 2001 as a Firefighter, Heitman worked his way up through the various ranks, serving as Deputy Fire Chief starting in 2008, and then Fire Chief since September 2014. “I have no doubt that Chief Heitman will excel with this career advancement and am not surprised that he was selected as the most highly-qualified candidate; we’re sorry to see him go and wish him all the best,” said Jessi Bon. She added that she has begun working on the MIFD leadership transition plan.
“Leading the Mercer Island Fire Department has been both an honor and a privilege for me because the organization is filled with outstanding people who are passionate about delivering the highest level of emergency services to the community. The City has provided me with challenges and opportunities that have allowed me to grow as a leader in my profession, and for that I am grateful,” said Chief Heitman.
The City Manager also announced two other internal promotions that will ensure key aspects of City operations are overseen by seasoned and highly capable leaders.
Matt Mornick has been named the Finance Director after serving in an interim role since March of this year. Matt stepped in to lead a team that was navigating unprecedented financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was a key leader in the development of the 2021-2022 Biennial Budget and provided critical support for the City’s operations this past year.
“Matt is a strong leader and is adept at developing new analytical tools and bringing fresh ideas to the organization. His calm and steady approach to the changes of the past year are a hallmark of his leadership and I’m very pleased to retain him in this crucial role,” said City Manager Bon.
Matt has a Master in Public Administration from Cornell University and first joined the City in 2019 as a consultant tasked with redesigning the administration of the City’s Capital Projects Program. Prior to Mercer Island, he worked on special projects at the City of Issaquah, and for four years as a policy analyst and project manager within the City Manager’s office at the City of Santa Monica, California.
In the Public Works Department, Alaine Sommargren has been named to the new position of Deputy Director, where she will oversee the operations division, which manages and maintains key City assets such as streets, potable water delivery, sanitary sewer, parks, and storm drainage. Alaine has worked with the City since 2008 and has held multiple positions within the Parks and Recreation Department, overseeing operations and restoration, and more recently within the Public Works Department adding maintenance oversight to her duties.
“Alaine has been an amazingly flexible and skilled leader, capable of adapting to ever-changing management responsibilities, while keeping City infrastructure and natural areas in the best possible shape. I’m thrilled to announce this leadership promotion and believe this new role will dramatically enhance the operation of our already very talented maintenance team,” said City Manager Jessi Bon.
Alaine currently sits on the King County Noxious Weed Control Board, and for over four years served as a part-time instructor in the Edmonds Community College Horticulture Department. Alaine holds a Master of Science in Ecological Restoration from the University of Washington, and prior to Mercer Island, she managed an organic farm and led a Community Supported Agriculture program in California.
Original source can be found here.
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