Commissioners for the Bainbridge Island Fire Department unanimously approved a contract for a former fire commissioner to return as the department’s new business administrator.

Officials agreed on a 4-0 vote to a three-year agreement with Susan Cohen after a 15-minute executive session at the board meeting Wednesday, July 18. Fire Commissioner Paul Bang-Knudsen was absent and excused from the meeting.

“I’m excited; we got a great candidate,” said Commissioner Scott Isenman.

Cohen formerly served in the Position 3 seat on the board of commissioners. She resigned Feb. 17 with the hope of gaining eventual employment with the fire department.

Cohen will start work Aug. 1.

Commissioners welcomed Cohen back to the fire department, but noted there was plenty of work waiting for her.

“Right into the budget cycle,” said Fire Commissioner Maureen Halligan.