BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The City of Bellingham is adding a pair of familiar faces to its top leadership team.

Mayor Kim Lund announced on Monday, July 15, that she appointed longtime employees Janice Keller and Forrest Longman to roles as the city’s deputy administrators.

Executive leadership was previously the job of a single deputy administrator, but Lund says expanding the role to two positions is critical to match the Bellingham’s growing population.

Keller is stepping into external relations and a chief of staff role after 23 years with the city, including positions as the communications director and more recently the interim deputy administrator. Her new role will center on community engagement, intergovernmental and tribal relations, staffing and organizational leadership.

Longman will manage operations and smart growth after serving as the city’s deputy finance director. He will now focus on sustainable development, economic development, climate action and transportation initiatives.

Mayor Lund says both additions will focus on working across departments to increase collaboration within the city.