The City of Mercer Island has hired Timothy Stewart for the director of developmental services group position.

Stewart, who will be leaving his position as the director of planning and community development for the city of Bellingham, begins work on the Island on June 21.

“Tim’s extraordinary leadership abilities and knowledge of Washington state’s complex Growth Management Act, Shoreline Master Program and Environmental Policy Act, as well as King County’s Growth Management Planning Council, are well suited to meet the needs of this challenging position,” said City Manager Rich Conrad in a press release from the city.

There were 60 applicants for the job.

Stewart will oversee the development committee, including projects such as the Town Center development, residential development, I-90 transit issues and the shoreline master plan.

Prior to working in Bellingham, Stewart was the director of planning and development services for the city of Shoreline. He is a certified planner and earned a masters in urban planning from Michigan State University.

According to the Bellingham Herald, Stewart was paid $116,256 while in Bellingham and will earn $135,000 working here.