The city council unanimously elected longtime Councilmember Conrad Lee to serve as Bellevue mayor.

Councilmember Jennifer Robertson was chosen deputy mayor, also by a unanimous vote.

Lee, who was born in China and moved to Bellevue in 1967, is the first member of an ethnic minority to serve as Bellevue’s mayor. Previously the deputy mayor, Lee takes over from Councilmember Don Davidson, whose two-year term as mayor concluded at the end of 2011.

Following the vote, Lee said he’s confident that with a team of talented colleagues, a dedicated city staff and a supportive public, Bellevue will build on the past to remain a leader in the future.

“I’m grateful to the people of Bellevue and I am honored to be entrusted by my fellow councilmembers to be mayor,” Lee said. “Bellevue is a wonderful place with wonderful people. It’s one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the state and I am proud to represent and lead it.

“We have great opportunities ahead of us,” he continued. “The best is yet to come.”

Lee has served on the council since 1994 and was re-elected to a fifth term in 2009. His current council assignments include Bellevue Botanical Garden Board, Bellevue Convention Center Authority Board, King County Regional Transit Committee, and the Puget Sound Regional Economic Development District Board.

Robertson was first elected to the council in 2009 to complete the two remaining years of Phil Noble’s term. She was re-elected last November.

“I’m humbled to be chosen deputy mayor,” Robertson said. “I’m looking forward to the council working together to keep Bellevue a wonderful place to live, raise a family and grow a business.”