About Us

Commissioner Herb V. Johnson
Mayoral appointee
Term: May 2004 – December 2009

Commissioner Johnson is a retired police officer who had served the Seattle Police Department for 30 years. In 2000, Herb was asked by Mayor Paul Schell to come out of retirement and serve as Chief of Police between the appointments of Chief Norm Stamper and current Chief Gil Kerlikowske. Prior to entering SPD, he taught French, German and Photography at his alma mater -- Ballard High School, where he was recently inducted onto BHS's "Wall of Fame" and honored as its Outstanding Graduate.

Commissioner David C. Bown
Council appointee
Term: May 2002 – December 2007

Commissioner Bown brings to the Commission a long history of professional experience in labor relations, personnel management and dispute resolution. Recently retired from his management position at The Snowden Company, David also served as Civil Service Officer for the City of Bremerton and as Senior Investigator for the EEOC (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission). Other activities include membership in the African-American Community Advisory Council and the King County Police Civil Service Commission. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Police Foundation and The Defender Association.

Commissioner Joel A. Nark
Employee elected
Term: May 2003 – December 2008

Civil service employees elected Joel A. Nark to the Public Safety Civil Service Commission in March of 2003. Commissioner Nark has been with the Seattle Police Department since 1986, and currently works in patrol out of the Southwest precinct. He received his Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Eastern Washington University; served on the Seattle Police Athletic Association board for nine years; and also has served 10 years on the Board of Directors for the Bacon Bowl. Joel and his wife, Sharon, and their children, Conrad and Julia, live in West Seattle.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mary E. Effertz
Appointed by Commission
November 25, 2003

Mary Eleanor Effertz has been with the City of Seattle since 1998, when she began working at the Office for Civil Rights. She was promoted to her position at the Civil Service Commission in 1999 where she also served as Interim Executive Director in 2002. Born and raised in Minnesota, Mary earned her bachelors degree in Mass Communications from Mankato State University (MSU) and completed all coursework for a Masters degree in Political Science. Prior to coming to the Commission, Mary taught journalism courses at MSU for 11 years and also has 10 years experience as a paralegal. She is an award winning photographer and writer, has been published in several national magazines, and is a charter member of two non-profit organizations, Save the Kasota Prairie and Minors in Need of Resettlement. Mary has two children, Dylan and Wendy.

Content & maintenance:
Mary Effertz 09/13/06