Shaking things up in Seattle, Mayor Bruce Harrell has announced a series of changes to his Cabinet and office staff, including new appointments and interim roles in key city departments. As reported by the Seattle Office of the Mayor, these moves come as the city aims to tackle issues like public safety and budgeting.

Natalie Walton-Anderson is slated to take over as the Director of Public Safety, starting June 5, stepping in for Kerry Keefe, who has shifted her focus to the police department. Meanwhile, on May 17, Julie Dingley will exit her post as Director of the City Budget Office. Mayor Harrell's Director of Policy, Dan Eder, will serve in the interim until the search for a permanent CBO Director kicks off.

In addition to these changes, Mina Hashemi has been named the interim Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Relations, already having begun her new responsibilities on May 8. With Gael Tarleton's retirement earlier this year, Hashemi's appointment is designed to foster stronger government collaboration.

Other notable appointments include Mayor Harrell's nomination of Jamie Carnell as permanent Director of City Finance, Aisha Foster taking on the Executive Director of Human Services role, and Callie Craighead stepping in as the Press Secretary working under the Communications Director. Harrell expressed his confidence in the new lineup, as quoted from the Seattle Office of the Mayor, stating, "I am confident these new and empowered members of our staff will help us advance our mission to build a safe, healthy, and sustainable Seattle."

The Mayor showed his appreciation for the departing Dingley, who he credits with giving Seattle the tools to address fiscal deficits and fortifying the city's financial future. Dingley, on her departure, acknowledged the intense demands of her role but was proud of the progress made in achieving a more sustainable and accountable budget process. Addressing public safety, Walton-Anderson said, as per the Seattle Office of the Mayor, of her eagerness to foster relationships that will enhance community safety. As for the city's fiscal health, Eder said, "The City faces serious budget challenges in the coming years, but also significant opportunities to improve how we invest to serve our residents." Hashemi echoed the sentiment of partnership in her role, aiming to help build a "thriving, innovative, and equitable Seattle", as cited by the Seattle Office of the Mayor.