BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The City of Bellingham has made a pair of hires to lead its human resources department.

Mayor Kim Lund announced on Wednesday, July 2 that she has appointed Deborah Danner as the city’s Human Resources director and Ameleah Sullivan as deputy director.

“Our Human Resources department is essential in creating the kind of City organization we strive to be—one that values public service, supports its workforce, and reflects the community we serve,” said Mayor Lund. “Deborah Danner brings a wealth of experience and a people-centered approach to this critical leadership position.”

It comes after the department’s former director was fired in August 2024 along with the city’s public works director in what Lund called a “strategic change in leadership.”

Danner comes from Eastern Washington University, where she was associate VP for human resources, while Sullivan has served as Bellingham’s interim HR director for the past 10 months.

The city’s HR department oversees more than 1,000 employees and plays a key role in recruiting, developing and retaining its workforce.

The hirings follow a similar decision by Lund in May to appoint two directors to lead the city’s public works department.