BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The City of Bellingham has named temporary leadership to replace two key department heads that were recently let go.

City Communications Director Janice Keller says Mayor Kim Lund appointed the three new interim directors on Thursday, Aug. 1.

Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance Mike Olinger and Assistant Director of Transportation Joel Pfundt will each add the role of interim co-directors of the public works department. Human Resources Services Manager Ameleah Sullivan will now take over as interim director of HR.

The announcement comes after Mayor Lund decided to terminate former Public Works Director Eric Johnston and HR Director Elizabeth Monahan last week as part of a “strategic change in leadership.”

Mayor Lund said in a statement that her main focus continues to be ensuring a smooth transition within departments and that the interim directors have her “complete confidence.”

The city expects to begin a nationwide search for the new directors as soon as possible.