Bernie Matsuno, who’s been acting director of the Department of Neighborhoods for three months, will be its permanent director if confirmed by the City Council, according to an announcement just sent by Mayor McGinn‘s office. The announcement includes other appointments – a new personnel director and communications director. Read on for the full 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.”

Matsuno’s appointment is subject to Council confirmation. Her salary is $127,950.

In addition, McGinn announced he is appointing David Stewart director of the city’s Personnel Department. Stewart has been assistant director of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries’ (L&I) Office of Human Resources since 2003. Prior to his job at Washington State L&I, Stewart served as deputy director of the state of Alaska’s personnel division between 1999 and 2003. He worked in other Alaska state agencies between July 1985 and December 1999.

Darwyn Anderson, who has served as the acting personnel director since April 26, 2010, will serve as Stewart’s deputy director. Seattle conducted a national search to find its new personnel director.

“City government is facing unprecedented challenges and our human resources system is key to creating a high-performance workplace,” McGinn said. “I’ve asked our personnel department to help me make the changes necessary to improve city government. David has done this before and I know he can do it again.”

McGinn also thanked Darwyn Anderson for serving as acting director. “I appreciate Darwyn’s stewardship since April of last year. His knowledge of city government will be invaluable as we tackle the challenges ahead. He and David will make a strong leadership team.”

Stewart starts his new job May 16, 2011, and will earn $142,000 annually. His appointment is subject to Council confirmation.

McGinn also named Beth Hester as his new director of communications. Hester has served as the general manager at the award winning Seattle Channel for the last three years, having joined the Channel in 2002 as content manager. She began her public service career in 1993 as a budget analyst first for the City of New York’s Office of Management and Budget and later for the King County Office of Budget and Strategic Planning. In 1997 she became Manager of External and Governmental Affairs for King County Executive Ron Sims, moving on to the position of state lobbyist for the King County Council in 1998.

“Beth’s broad knowledge of the city’s departments, programs and policies make her a strong addition to my team.” says McGinn.

She starts her new job May 16, 2011, and will earn $120,000 annually.

Mark Matassa who has served in this same role for the past eighteen months is moving on to assist in the Director’s Office of Seattle Public Utilities.

He will begin work in SPU on May 9.

“I am grateful for the time Mark has been with my office and am pleased that he will continue to serve the residents of Seattle.” McGinn said.