Interim Mercer Island City Manager Appointed

MERCER ISLAND, WA — Mercer Island's new parks and recreation director will slide into a new role next week, taking over the city manager role vacated by Julie Underwood.

Parks Dirctor Jessi Bon was hired by Mercer Island last summer, and formerly served as deputy city manager and parks director in Sammamish. Bon will begin as interim city manager on June 8. Existing parks department staff will take over Bon's duties.

Underwood resigned in a surprise announcement on May 8. She said at the time the city manager job had taken a toll on her and her family recently, and said that she's been the subject of "mean-spirited criticism" during budget deliberations. The failed Proposition 1 levy increase has forced the city to make major cuts, and there are deeper cuts on the table.

"There’s no doubt that Mercer Island faces a tough road ahead, but I believe in this community. It is a special place, brimming with character and engaged, creative, and resilient residents," Bon said in a statement. "I’m ready to help lead this community through these challenges not only as interim city manager but as a neighbor.

The City Council will begin the selection process for a permanent replacement for Underwood after Bon takes the helm. Underwood's official last day is June 7.