OCII unanimously appoints Nadia Sasse as executive director

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on Oct. 3 unanimously approved three resolutions to set the executive director salary schedule, appoint Nadia Sasse as executive director of OCII, and authorize an employment agreement.

Monica Davisteen, OCII's HR and administrative services manager, told the commission the salary resolution establishes pay ranges for OCII classifications and that the executive director role oversees a current annual budget of "over $500,000,000" and significant development activity in major project areas. Davisteen said the commission had interviewed Sasse and "finds her to be highly qualified for the position," recommending approval of the three related resolutions.

Union representatives and OCII staff spoke in support. Max Barnes, project associate and representative of Local 1021, said on behalf of the union, "Local 1021 fully supports the appointment of [the] interim executive director to the position of executive director. Congratulations." Deputy Director Sally Orth also urged approval and praised Sasse's work.

Commissioners praised Sasse before the vote. Vice Chair Bustos said she had been "compassionate" and "fair," and Commissioner Singh moved to approve the resolutions; Singh also seconded and commissioners voted aloud in a roll call that resulted in five "yes" votes.

After the vote, Sasse addressed the commission: "I am humbled. I'm honored to have this opportunity to serve this commission as well as the agency," and thanked staff and commissioners for their support.

The commission approved the salary resolution (Res. 34-2017), the appointment resolution (Res. 35-2017) and the employment agreement (Res. 36-2017) by unanimous vote. The chair said the motions carried and the commission moved on to the next agenda item.