City Manager Erin Reinders has picked her No. 2.
JR Pearson will start Friday as Unalaska's assistant city manager, after serving as the Department of Public Utilities' deputy director for more than three years.
Before that, he was a utilities compliance coordinator for about 11 years.
Announcing the hire Tuesday, Reinders said Pearson has "a demonstrated commitment to local government, public service, and the City of Unalaska."
"Mr. Pearson has an educational background in human resource management and a professional background in public utilities, environmental and safety compliance, and capital projects," she said in a written statement. "JR is an excellent addition to our leadership team and I am confident that he will continue to serve the City of Unalaska with thoughtfulness, integrity, and respect."
Pearson is replacing Reinders, who left the assistant manager position for the top job earlier this month. She said the city is working to fill a number of other vacant posts.