Councilmember Rob Saka's Staff

Email Elaine

Elaine (she/her) is pleased to join Councilmember Rob Saka’s team. Elaine brings experience in local government coming from the City’s ARTS office and previously serving as the Director of the Office for Women’s Rights under former Mayor Norm Rice. She was the founding Director of the Port of Seattle’s Office of Social Responsibility and served as Executive Director of InterIm Community Development Association in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.

Elaine earned a B.A. in Communications from the University of Washington and an MBA from City University. A native Seattleite, she attended Seattle Public Schools and graduated from Cleveland High School. She is a long-time former resident of West Seattle and currently lives in South Park with her husband John.

Elaine can be seen around town at local plays and enjoys writing and leading group tours to Japan.

Email Leyla

Leyla (they/them) is a lifelong Seattleite, and is proud to be serving their city as a liaison between constituents and Councilmember Saka’s office. Leyla has a love for District 1, as they went to middle school in West Seattle, volunteered nearby in White Center for years, and previously worked for its Congressional member, Pramila Jayapal. Leyla brings experience in government from the county, state, and federal levels, and previously worked in the City’s Legislative Department under Council President Debora Juarez. They are excited to be contributing their experience to the work of Councilmember Saka, and serve as a presence for the office within District 1.

Leyla earned a B.A. in Philosophy and Public Affairs from Seattle University. Go Redhawks!

Email Ian

Ian is a home-grown Seattleite and brings a diverse professional experience to Councilmember Saka's Office, having worked with the Washington Technology Industry Association and Seattle Police Foundation.  He is a graduate of Boston College, UW’s Evans School of Public Policy & Governance, and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.  Outside of work, Ian enjoys traveling, watching college football (go UW Huskies!), and ‘geeking out’ on reality TV cooking shows!