Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund announced today (Monday, July 15, 2024) that she has appointed Forrest Longman and Janice Keller to roles as the City’s deputy administrators. Both Longman and Keller are veteran City of Bellingham employees, collectively bringing decades of experience in public policy, financial management and executive leadership to these key City governance positions.
“My commitment is to deliver great local government in service to our community,” said Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund. “We need smart, capable, enthusiastic leaders providing strategic direction and oversight for City initiatives. Keller steps into this role with a deep understanding of Bellingham and a shared and demonstrated commitment to excellent government. Longman brings a unique 360-degree view of City operations and the proven ability to be responsive to community needs through the strategic investment of public resources. I’m excited to welcome them to these critical new roles on my leadership team. This is an important evolution to build a stronger Bellingham.”
Until now, executive leadership in the Mayor’s Office was the job of one deputy administrator. Expanding the deputy role is essential, as the City’s portfolio of business has increased in complexity while we strive to meet the needs and service level expectations of our growing population, Mayor Lund said.
The deputy administrators will have defined, but flexible areas of responsibility, with extensive collaboration to advance strategic City priorities.
“Bellingham has grown tremendously – and continues to grow – and our City services have expanded accordingly,” Mayor Lund said. “As the 12th largest city in the state, we are on par with other mid-size cities like Federal Way and Kirkland. Adding a second deputy will enable us to be more effective in administering City services, delivering on our strategic priorities and responding to our community’s needs. The two deputies will work collaboratively across departments with an emphasis on breaking down silos to reinforce my ‘One City’ approach to governance.”
The Bellingham City Council unanimously approved a second deputy administrator position at its May 6, 2024, meeting. Both Keller and Longman begin their new roles this week.
Forrest Longman: Operations and Smart Growth
Longman is a 24-year resident of Bellingham and joined the City in 2017, where he most recently served as the City’s deputy finance director for four and half years. Previously, he held public policy and fiscal management roles at Whatcom County and the City of Seattle. An alumnus of Western Washington University, he also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington.
As deputy administrator, Longman’s role will focus on City operations and “great cities” initiatives that advance sustainable development, resiliency and prosperity, with specific responsibilities related to smart growth, climate action, transportation, human services and economic development.
Janice Keller: External Relations and Chief of Staff
Keller has held various positions in local and state government throughout her 37-year career in public service, including 23 years in leadership roles at the City of Bellingham where she has worked for six Bellingham mayors. Since March 2020, she has served as the City’s communications director, and began serving as interim deputy administrator in June 2023. From 2014-2020, Keller was the communications and community relations manager for the Bellingham Public Library. Keller is also a Western Washington University alum and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College.
Keller’s work as deputy administrator will center on delivering responsive and accountable government with specific responsibilities related to communications and community engagement, government-to-government and tribal relations, and lobbying, as well as leadership for initiatives related to staffing, workforce development and organizational leadership.
