Jill Simmons is leaving her position as Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment. Her last day in the Office will be May 21.

“Jill has been an insightful advisor this past year, and I will certainly miss her leadership on the environmental issues critical to Seattle’s future,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “She was instrumental in developing aggressive climate action goals for the City, reducing the City’s energy use, as well as bringing a new eye to equity for all communities in the City’s environmental work.”

“I want to thank Mayor Murray for the opportunity to serve in his administration. He has set a high bar for moving progressive policy quickly and with conviction,” said Simmons. “Under his leadership, I have no doubt that the Office of Sustainability and Environment will continue to lead the nation in addressing our most pressing environmental challenges while creating vibrant communities and building shared prosperity.”

Simmons has served as OSE Director since 2010. Under her leadership, the Office of Sustainability developed five action plans that serve as roadmaps to make Seattle a more sustainable city.

Last year, Seattle was given a 5-STAR rating with the highest score ever achieved in an assessment conducted by STAR Community Rating System, which evaluates the livability and sustainability of U.S. communities.

In December, the White House recognized Seattle as one of 16 local government Climate Action Champions for its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience.

Simmons will be taking a sabbatical before launching into her next project sometime in the fall.

The Mayor’s Office is launching a search for a new director.