Council Appoints Jessi Bon as Interim City Manager

June 5, 2019 - The City of Mercer Island is pleased to announce the official appointment of Jessi Bon as Interim City Manager, beginning on June 8, 2019, following the recent resignation of current City Manager Julie Underwood.

Jessi joined the City ten months ago as its Parks and Recreation Director and has over 20 years of experience in local municipal government. Most recently she served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Sammamish, and prior to that was its Director of Parks and Recreation for 10 years.

"As a Council and as a community we have substantial decisions and opportunity before us,” said Mayor Debbie Bertlin, “and we are fortunate to have Jessi already on staff. Her breadth of experience, professionalism and understanding of the Island as a resident will serve us well.  I look forward to working with her even more closely during this interim period.”

For the length of the interim appointment, the responsibility of running the Parks and Recreation Department will be shared by existing staff. Once the Interim City Manager is in place, Council will develop a timeline and recruitment process for a permanent hire.

"I am honored to serve as Interim City Manager,” Jessi said. “Julie is a strong and experienced leader. It has been a privilege working with her and I’m grateful for the energy and vision she brought to the city.”

Jessi has lived on Mercer Island since 2010 with her husband Mike (an Island native), and their three daughters. She earned a B.S. from Western Washington University and a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University.

“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. I’m ready to help lead this community through these challenges not only as Interim City Manager but as a neighbor.”

Learn more about the role of City Manager.