Mayor McGinn appointed Bernie Matsuno as the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods on April 20th. From the news release:

Mayor Mike McGinn announced this morning the appointment of Bernie Matsuno as permanent director of the Department of Neighborhoods. Matsuno had been serving as interim director since February 1. McGinn also announced two additional personnel decisions, including a new permanent director of the Personnel Department.

Matsuno had served as interim director in 2006 under Mayor Greg Nickels before Stella Chao was hired. She also was deputy director of the Department of Neighborhoods in 2007, director of the department’s Community Building Division from 2004 to 2006, and participated in the creation of the Department of Neighborhoods and the Neighborhood Matching Fund in 1988. Most of Matsuno’s public service career has been with Neighborhoods.

“Bernie has great experience in the Department of Neighborhoods from its inception,” said McGinn. “Her experience will help all city departments engage and partner with the public in improving our communities.”

Bernie was appointed interim director in February.  Matsuno replaces Stella Chao who ran the DON for four years under the Nickels and McGinn administrations.