Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine named April Putney, current Director of Government and External Relations, as his new Chief of Staff, effective immediately. Putney has worked in the Executive’s Office since 2014.

Story

As Executive Constantine’s new Chief of Staff, April Putney will be responsible for administration of the Executive’s staff as well as directing external and internal policy coordination and strategic initiatives. Putney previously served as the Director of Government and External Relations, overseeing local, regional, state, and federal relations.

Putney replaces Rachel Smith, who was named President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce today. Smith, who also serves as Deputy County Executive, will retain that position until she leaves the Executive's Office at the end of the year.

“April brings a wealth of experience in government at every level, and has a strong reputation among key constituencies, including those representing working families,” said Executive Constantine.

“As my new Chief of Staff, April will continue to advise me on key policies and help fulfill my mission and vision to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. I want to thank Rachel Smith, my current Chief of Staff and Deputy County Executive, for her years of wise counsel and help in achieving a wide variety of policy successes. The Chamber will benefit from Rachel’s vision, energy and expertise, and King County is fortunate that she will continue her regional leadership in this new role.”

Executive Constantine will announce additional promotions in the coming weeks.

“I am honored to serve as Executive Constantine’s Chief of Staff and I am excited to continue working with our dedicated 16,000 public servants to deliver on the Executive’s vision for expanding opportunity to all King County residents,” said Putney. “Rachel is an amazing leader and I am humbled to follow her in this role.”

Prior to joining the Executive’s Office, she most recently worked for Futurewise, the state's lead smart growth organization. Putney has more than fifteen years of experience in governmental affairs, policy development, advocacy, and community organizing.

Quotes

April brings a wealth of experience in government at every level, and has a strong reputation among key constituencies, including those representing working families. As my new Chief of Staff, April will continue to advise me on key policies and help fulfill my mission and vision to make King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. I want to thank Rachel Smith, my current Chief of Staff and Deputy County Executive, for her years of wise counsel and help in achieving a wide variety of policy successes. The Chamber will benefit from Rachel’s vision, energy and expertise, and King County is fortunate that she will continue her regional leadership in this new role.

I am honored to serve as Executive Constantine’s Chief of Staff and I am excited to continue working with our dedicated 16,000 public servants to deliver on the Executive’s vision for expanding opportunity to all King County residents. Rachel is an amazing leader and I am humbled to follow her in this role.

For more information, contact:

Alex Fryer, Executive Office, 206-477-7966