Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Rachel Smith to the post of Deputy Executive. Smith is the Executive’s Chief of Staff and has worked in the Executive Office since 2014.

Story

Executive Dow Constantine announced today that Rachel Smith will serve as Deputy Executive, responsible for directing strategic initiatives, coordinating senior leadership, overseeing intergovernmental work, and managing administration of the Executive’s staff.

Smith will continue to serve as Chief of Staff. She joined the Executive’s Office in 2014 as Director of Government Relations. Prior to King County, she worked in government relations at Sound Transit, supporting the agency’s delivery of projects and services across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Before that, Smith served as a policy advisor to Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and performed advocacy work for Transportation Choices Coalition.

"This appointment is an expression of my confidence in Rachel as she continues to lead our team, delivering on my priorities for the people of King County. Rachel is committed to the success of everyone who works in this administration and who shares my determination to build a stronger, more equitable community," said Executive Constantine.

"Rachel is known throughout the region and state as someone able to get things done, whether it’s transit, housing, or a host of other complex issues," he said. "As Deputy Executive, Rachel will continue to represent my priorities and serve as a trusted advisor."

"I am honored to serve as Executive Constantine’s Deputy Executive, and I look forward to working with King County employees and community partners to move his regional agenda forward," said Smith. "Executive Constantine has transformed King County government and set an aggressive pace for further reforms, systems improvements, and strategic investments so that every person has the opportunity to fulfill their potential, and contribute to the life of the community."

Quotes

This appointment is an expression of my confidence in Rachel as she continues to lead our team, delivering on my priorities for the people of King County. Rachel is committed to the success of everyone who works in this administration and who shares my determination to build a stronger, more equitable community. Rachel is known throughout the region and state as someone able to get things done, whether it’s transit, housing, or a host of other complex issues. As Deputy Executive, Rachel will continue to represent my priorities and serve as a trusted advisor.

I am honored to serve as Executive Constantine’s Deputy Executive, and I look forward to working with King County employees and community partners to move his regional agenda forward. Executive Constantine has transformed King County government and set an aggressive pace for further reforms, systems improvements, and strategic investments so that every person has the opportunity to fulfill their potential, and contribute to the life of the community.

For more information, contact:

Alex Fryer, Executive Office, 206-477-7966