Kat Sorensen will be the next city manager of Seward following city council approval of her contract during their Monday meeting.

Sorensen, who currently serves as the executive director of the Seward Chamber of Commerce, will take over from Acting City Manager Norm Regis and will replace Janette Bower, who announced in March that she was resigning to become the new city manager of Soldotna.

Seward City Council members during a special meeting in June voted to offer Sorensen the job. In all, the council interviewed five candidates for the position, including Sorensen, during that meeting.

Seward Mayor Sue McClure reported in an Aug. 14 agenda statement provided to council members that the city had completed salary and contract negotiations with Sorensen. Per the employment agreement approved by council members, Sorensen’s annual salary will be $145,000 and her official hire date is Sept. 10.

Sorensen told council members Monday that she is excited to step into her new role as manager and that the Seward Chamber of Commerce is in the process of finding a new executive director.

“I am beyond excited and grateful for this opportunity to serve Seward as our city manager,” Sorensen said.

The City of Seward’s Monday city council meeting can be streamed on the city’s YouTube channel.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.