The city of Bremerton has selected Jeneise Briggs as its new diversity and community engagement manager and will begin her new role March 10.
Briggs most recently served as the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Opportunity Home San Antonio. She previously worked as the equity, diversity, and inclusion coordinator for the city and county of Eau Claire and as a diversity and inclusion specialist with the State Bar of Wisconsin.
The city resumed its hiring process for the position after temporarily pausing it to assess federal executive orders and their potential impact on city operations.
Interviews for the position concluded on Jan. 24, but hiring was put on hold Jan. 28 as city officials reviewed compliance with federal regulations. Legal staff examined the job description, consulted with government attorneys, and analyzed executive orders, agency guidance, and court rulings.
The pause followed concerns over executive orders issued by President Trump that could affect federal funding eligibility for grant recipients engaged in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. A report presented to the Bremerton City Council outlined potential risks to programs reliant on federal support, including the Quincy Square redevelopment project, infrastructure and transit improvements, and affordable housing initiatives. Officials reviewed whether restrictions could impact funding from agencies such as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Transit Administration.
On Feb. 21, a federal district court in Maryland issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking key provisions of one of the executive orders, citing vague language that created uncertainty and could limit lawful activities by local governments and organizations. Following this decision and its internal review, the city determined the position complies with legal standards and will proceed with hiring.
Mayor Greg Wheeler reaffirmed Bremerton’s commitment to transparency and fairness in employment decisions, stating that hiring is based on qualifications and merit without quotas or preferential treatment.
