P+R Architects Names New Principal, CFO — Long Beach-based P+R Architects promoted 15-year employee Joseph Serruya to principal, and appointed Ian Denny as its new CFO. Serruya has more than 20 years of experience in architecture and leads the company’s East Coast operations. Denny most recently served as the director of data services for Deltek, a software company specializing in business management solutions. He has 15 years of experience in various industries, including architecture and engineering. . . . Metro Ports Hires New VP Of Business Development — Metro Ports, a division of Nautilus International Holding Corp, hired Brent Mahan to serve as VP of business development focusing on growth in the Gulf region of the United States. Mahan has more than 20 years of experience in development and logistics. Nautilus is currently based in Wilmington, but is building a new headquarters at Douglas Park in Long Beach. . . . Long Beach Public Library Foundation Names Interim Executive DirectorKatharine Azar has been named interim executive director of the Long Beach Public Library Foundation. Azar is the founder and CEO of Social Good Strategies, LLC, a firm that provides philanthropic planning advising to nonprofits, businesses and individuals. She also co-founded The Olive Tree Initiative, a nonprofit providing conflict analysis and resolution services to students and communities. . . . Berlin Bistro Brings On New Executive Chef Berlin Bistro, a casual dining establishment in the East Village Arts District, recently brought on Executive Chef Tim Balen, who hails from other Long Beach eateries, including Chianina Steakhouse and Working Class Kitchen. Balen is described as a “self-taught” chef, who primarily learned his trade in small pubs in Washington State. . . . Long Beach Names Interim Public Works Director Craig Beck, a 29-year employee of the City of Long Beach, has been appointed interim director of public works following the resignation of Ara Maloyan, who left the city in mid-December to take a position with the City of Pasadena. Beck is also the business operations bureau manager for Long Beach Gas and Oil. He will not apply for the permanent position of director, according to a city statement. . . . Carson Appoints New Finance Director — The City of Carson recently hired a new finance director, Kathryn Downs, to take over the city’s budgeting and financial processes. She will inherit a department that has seen three directors in just two years, and, according to a city statement, faces considerable challenges. Downs’ begins work for the city on January 5. She currently serves as deputy director of finance for the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. . . .  DENSO Hires New Vice President Of Sales — DENSO Products and Services Americas, Inc., based in Long Beach, recently announced the appointment of Joseph Mejaly as its Sr. VP of sales. He is responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies for the company’s aftermarket products and services across multiple divisions. Mejaly has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, and most recently served as CEO of AxleTech International, a manufacturer of axles and parts for commercial vehicles. . . . Arbor Commercial Mortgage Appoints Director For Long Beach Office — New York State-based Arbor Commercial Mortgage, LLC named loan originator Linda Gorbenko as the director of its Long Beach office where she oversees multifamily real estate financing operations. She previously worked for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. — LBPD Promotions — The Long Beach Police Department recently announced the promotion of eight employees. The employees, with their new ranks, are: Sgt. Gabriel Carrillo; Commander Wally Hebeish; Records Clerk Supervisor Roeun Ly; Sgt. Keith Mortensen; Payroll/Personal Assistant III Eva Parham; Administrator Anna Reyes; Lt. Gregory Schirmer; and Sgt. Ernest Wolosewicz.