Bremerton looks east for finance director

Bremerton city officials admitted being awestruck by Laura Lyon during her interview on Wednesday.

“I’ve been doing hiring for 30 years and Laura Lyon had the most impressive interview I’ve ever seen,” said Mayor Cary Bozeman. “She was clearly a cut above the rest of the candidates.”

Lyon, who is currently the assistant general manager and chief financial officer for the Public Utility District No. 2 of Grant County, demonstrated the knowledge and skills the city needs in its financial services director, Bozeman said.

Lyon said she was looking for a job that fit her skills in western Washington when the city’s position became available, and it appeared to be a perfect fit.

“I’m personally excited about the revitalization of Bremerton and the other piece is being able to apply my background in public funding to this new position,” Lyon said.

Lyon said she is the type of person who gets very enthusiastic about what she’s doing and is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.

“I feel strongly that you have a strong responsibility to the people who entrusted you with the responsibility,” she said. “I care deeply about the people I work with and the community in general.”

One of the general things Lyon said she will work on as the city’s financial service director is finding alternative funding options as the city seeks to maintain service levels in the future.

Councilman Mike Short, who served on the interview board, said Lyon had an outstanding interview.

“We wanted to look for someone to take the financial department to the next level,” Short said. “She was clearly better than the rest.”

Councilman Cecil McConnell said Lyon impressed him with her quick response to questions and firm but fair manner.

“I don’t think we could ever get a better qualified person for any position than Laura Lyon,” McConnell said.

Lyon will assume her duties as the city’s financial services director on Nov. 29.

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