Following the resignation of two high-ranking city workers, the mayor’s office announced Wednesday that current employees would take their places.
Mayor John Hamilton announced today the appointment of Mary Catherine Carmichael to the position of Deputy Mayor and Kaisa Goodman as Public Engagement Director for the City of Bloomington. pic.twitter.com/Ef0DiUt7Bd — City of Bloomington, IN (@citybloomington) December 15, 2022
Mary Catherine Carmichael will replace Don Griffin as deputy mayor. Griffin announced earlier this month that he would leave the position at the end of the year to focus on his mayoral campaign.
Carmichael has worked in Mayor John Hamilton’s cabinet since he was inaugurated in 2016, including as public engagement director since 2018. As deputy mayor, her work would include overseeing and coordinating with city departments and staff. The move comes with a pay raise from $84,221 to $120,913.
"I think it's one of those jobs you bring your particular talents and skill set to and have an opportunity to somewhat make it your own while you work with your team and try to play to everyone's strengths," Carmichael said.
The public engagement director is a link between the city and groups like neighborhood associations, businesses and the county.
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Hamilton’s Chief of Staff Kaisa Goodman will fill Carmichael’s position when the roles change in 2023. She served as Hamilton's campaign manager in 2018 and later as special projects manager for the city. Goodman’s replacement has not yet been announced. Her salary will increase from $57,000 to $75,564.
“I previously worked in the Economic and Sustainable Development Department for the city and really enjoyed getting to spend a little bit more time out in the community," Goodman said. "So I'm really excited to kind of get back to being able to do that."
Human Resources Director Caroline Shaw also resigned this month. Assistant HR Director Emily Fields will step in as interim director. In her temporary position, Fields’s salary will grow from $81,883 to $90,071.
The next mayoral election will be in 2023. Hamilton has announced he will not seek a third term in office.
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