City Expands Communications Focus With New Hire

May 7, 2021 - As part of efforts to increase community engagement, the City of Mercer Island has hired a new Communications Manager to join the administration's leadership team. City Manager Jessi Bon announced Mason Luvera will lead Mercer Island’s communications and community affairs, having started in the role on May 3.  

“This position allows the City to rethink communications across the team and across the Island,” Bon said. “Mason’s creative eye and expert approach will help us connect in new ways and I'm thrilled to welcome him to our team.”

Luvera brings diverse communications expertise and experience to the City. He was previously the communications lead for the Bellevue Downtown Association, where he built the city center’s brand and served as a liaison between the media, businesses, and public administrations. Prior to Bellevue, he directed communications for another downtown management organization, worked for communications agencies on both the East and West Coasts, and served as a communications director in higher education. 

“Mercer Island is an exceptional community with great things on the horizon,” Luvera said. “I’m excited to help shape the City’s story and look forward to bringing new ideas to the table while getting to know residents, visitors and our businesses along the way.”

Luvera’s other professional experience is rooted in community and public service, including appointments to the Bellevue Police Department’s advisory council, the board of the Downtown Everett Association and as vice chair of the Bellingham International Airport’s advisory board. He also serves on Western Washington University’s Alumni Association Board of Directors and frequently guest lectures for university programs on community communications. 

The Communications Manager position is a new addition to the City’s staff, replacing a joint communications and sustainability position held by Ross Freeman. Freeman’s role has been expanded to focus on the City’s sustainability efforts full-time.