Kruzan Names Johnson And Abbott Directors

Kruzan Names Johnson And Abbott Directors

Date of Record: February 15, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 15, 2006

For additional information:
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington, IN -- Susie Johnson celebrated her Valentine's Day birthday by being appointed the City of Bloomington's Director of Public Works. And while it wasn't her birthday, Lisa Abbott was celebrating her appointment as Johnson's successor as Director of the City Housing & Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department.
 
Mayor Mark Kruzan announced both appointments Tuesday.
 
"Both Susie and Lisa are strong, committed leaders with hearts of gold and will continue to serve the City well," Kruzan said. "They have the skills, talent and experience to serve as effective leaders for these two critical departments."
 
Johnson, Director of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department (HAND) since January 1, 2004, will begin her new position Saturday. Johnson replaces Julio Alonso who will be leaving the City to serve as Executive Director of the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.

"The City of Bloomington is very fortunate to have Susie Johnson direct Public Works and Lisa Abbott to head up HAND," Kruzan said. "They have the skills, talent and experience with the City to serve as excellent leaders for these two critical City departments."

Johnson has served the City for 15 years in capacities that include Interim Director of HAND in 2003, and Neighborhood Development Manager and Code Enforcement Officer. Among her most notable accomplishments are the planning of the Rockport Road sustainable neighborhood development (for which she will continue to advise on its implementation) and the design and management of the West Kirkwood project.

"I am honored to be offered this position," Johnson said. "I am excited to carry on the many initiatives Julio set forth. He is a great guy to follow. Sustainability and community character are very important to me, and I hope to bring that philosophy to Public Works and make it work for Bloomington."

Johnson will oversee all Public Works divisions including Fleet, Animal Care & Control, Traffic, Engineering, Public Works, Parking Enforcement, Street and Sanitation.

Abbott will replace Johnson as HAND Director beginning Saturday. Abbott is currently the Assistant Director of HAND and in the past has served as HAND Program Manager, Computer Training Manager for the Information and Technology Services Department and Project Director for the Senior Citizens' Nutrition Project through the Community and Family Resources Department.

"I'm looking forward to leading this exceptional staff," said Abbott. "I'm also anxious to complete the wonderful projects that Susie has started such as our new development at Rockport Road."

Abbott graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and has been working for the City since 1993.

# # #