Friday, February 26, 2010

Jill Simmons appointed as acting director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

NEWS RELEASE

City of Seattle

Mike McGinn, Mayor

For Immediate Release: February 26, 2010

Contact: Aaron Pickus, (206) 233-2650

aaron.pickus@seattle.gov

Jill Simmons appointed as acting director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment

Charged with coordinating citywide approach to sustainability

SEATTLE – Mayor Mike McGinn today announced the appointment of Jill Simmons as acting director of the Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE). Simmons replaces the OSE’s outgoing acting director, Michael Mann.

As part of her new role, Simmons has been asked to recommend ways to strengthen sustainability efforts across City departments. She will co-lead the effort with Marshall Foster, the new City Planning Director in the Department of Planning and Development (DPD).

“While Seattle is a national leader in sustainability, I believe we can be more coordinated and efficient in our efforts,” McGinn said. “I am asking Jill to carry forward the work of the Office of Sustainability and Environment and to partner with key departments like the Department of Planning and Development to develop an action-oriented approach – one that sets clear goals and identifies specific actions to reduce carbon emissions, improve environmental quality and create sustainable communities.”

Prior to the appointment, Simmons served as OSE’s climate protection program manager. Before coming to OSE, she worked in the city’s Finance Department as a fiscal and policy analyst, and also worked on community development and sustainability initiatives at the Northwest Area Foundation. She holds a law degree and master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington.

“Jill brings the right combination of strategic thinking, dedication to sustainability, and city experience,” McGinn said. “I look forward to working with Jill to enhance OSE’s work and to develop a bold sustainability agenda for Seattle. “

Simmons will begin her new role on March 1.

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