Port Orchard has found a new development director, pending on accepting the city’s offer and City Council approval.

Mayor Tim Matthes made the announcement April 5 in a press release.

Matthes said Nick Bond, a planner for the Town of Eatonville, was the top candidate recommended by the interview committee.

Bond, 32, has been a planner for seven years and manages the town’s Building and Planning Department.

He has worked extensively on development regulations, including the creation and adoption of design guidelines for the town, shoreline and critical area regulations, and numerous other municipal code updates. In  addition, he has written several grant applications with a success rate greater than 90 percent — bringing in more than $5 million in funding.

“I am pleased with Nick’s knowledge he is bringing to the City and is confident in his ability to lead the department,” Matthes said.

Matthes said Bond could assume the position in mid-May. His pay for the first six months is $40.63 per hour, then increases to $42.07 after six months.

He was born in St. Louis and graduated from Webster Groves High School. Bond moved to Washington in 1999 and attended Western Washington University.

In 2003, Bond graduated Western Washington with a bachelor’s degree in planning and environmental policy.

Bond was hire by Eatonville as the town’s first full-time planner in 2005 and later attended Washington’s College of Built Environments to complete his master’s degree while serving as town planner. He received his master’s degree in urban planning and design specialization for the University of Washington in June 2012.

Bond was one of 13 applicants reviewed by a selection committee.

Matthes said from the 13, six were selected to be interviewed by a different panel. The top four candidates were interviewed March 29 by a final selection committee consisting of Matthes, Human Resource Director Deb Howard, City Treasurer Allan Martin and Councilman Rob Putaansuu.

Interim acting Development Director Tom Bonsell was among the four top candidates. Matthes said.

In January, Bonsell took over for James Weaver, who resigned and took a job with the City of Bainbridge Island.

“I’m happy with the job Tom has over the past few months,” Matthes said. “He really stepped up and did an absolutely great job for us.”

Matthes said he feels the transition between Bonsell and Bond will go smoothly.

“There should be no speed bumps in transition,” he added.