New Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Tuesday named former city councilwoman Jan Perry interim general manager of the city’s economic development department.

Perry, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor in the March primary, will run the newly created department, which will focus on small business support, workforce development and job creation. As councilwoman, Perry represented the downtown area and championed development projects in her district.

“I’m excited that Jan Perry and I will be working closely together on getting people back to work and helping businesses open and grow,” Garcetti said. “Jan’s work in revitalizing downtown and South Park exemplifies the kind of leadership and expertise we need to turn this department into a true economic engine for our city.”

Perry said she would support Garcetti’s goal of putting more Angelenos to work and to “make it clear that Los Angeles is open for business.”

Garcetti also appointed Kelli Bernard as interim chief of economic development. Bernard has served as director of economic development with the city’s Department of Water & Power. She was previously economic development director for Garcetti when he served on the City Council.

Stephen Cheung was named director of international trade. Cheung has served as director of international development at the Port of Los Angeles; previously he was managing director of international trade and clean technology in the administration of former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.