Transition Director Andrés Mantilla and Transition Co-chairs Brian Surratt, Karen Estevenin, Tiffani McCoy, and Quynh Pham will contribute their extensive knowledge of government, business, labor, housing, and community development to help ensure the new administration is set up for success immediately upon taking office. They will also convene a larger transition team to gather feedback, identify priorities, and help equip Mayor-Elect Wilson with the tools and relationships she needs to execute her vision as the next mayor of Seattle.
“I ran for mayor on the vision that we can tackle big challenges, address our affordability crisis, and make our city a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Mayor-Elect Wilson. “Now it’s time to get to work. I’m so grateful to the Transition Director and Co-Chairs who have stepped up to lend their deep expertise in government, business, labor, housing, and community development, and help me put that vision into action.”
The Transition Director and Co-Chairs will engage community members to identify short, medium, and long-term priorities to advance the Mayor-Elect’s vision.
Transition Director
Andrés Mantilla
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Andrés brings over 20 years of experience in facilitation, public policy, economic development, and engaging diverse stakeholders and communities. His extensive experience working closely with policymakers and elected officials includes supporting the administrations of Seattle Mayors Greg Nickels and Jenny Durkan, as well as serving as Director of the Department of Neighborhoods, where he led community engagement initiatives for the City across transportation, housing, and homelessness initiatives. Andrés has directed projects focused on homelessness policy development, engagement, and grant distributions. He serves on the Board of Directors for Bellwether Housing.
"Successful leadership is about building consensus and working across diverse groups to turn a bold vision into concrete outcomes. I look forward to helping shape a transition that supports the Mayor-Elect in achieving her vision of an affordable, accessible, and innovative city."
Transition Co-Chairs
Karen Estevenin
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Karen Estevenin has proudly served as the Executive Director of PROTEC17 —a labor union representing more than 10,000 public-sector workers across Washington and Oregon—since May 2019. Together with a talented staff, committed member-leaders, and community and labor partners she advances collective action to ensure social and economic justice in workplaces and communities. Over the past two decades, she has dedicated her career to the labor movement, working with CWA/WashTech, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) 3000, and Teamsters 117. In her current role, Karen leads the union’s vision, strategic direction, and day-to-day operations. She serves on the Board of the Seattle Social Housing Developer as Labor liaison, and is a Trustee for MLK Labor.
"Effective governance begins with a supported, equipped, and engaged workforce. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important moment of change, and I deeply appreciate the trust placed in me throughout the process. Together, I’m confident we can lay the foundation for a stronger, more collaborative future."
Tiffani McCoy
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Tiffani is the Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder of House Our Neighbors, which advocates for social housing, climate action, and connected communities. She served as campaign manager for the Yes on I-135 campaign, which established the first social housing developer in the United States, and for the Yes on Prop 1A campaign, which secured funding for the Seattle Social Housing Developer. Before co-creating HON, she worked at Real Change as the organization’s Advocacy Director. She currently serves as the Board President of Washingtonians for Public Banking.
"Seattle’s residents deserve access to stable, affordable homes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help guide a transition that takes a more coordinated approach to addressing the city’s housing needs by prioritizing affordability, housing production, concrete progress on homelessness, and a commitment to social housing."
Quynh Pham
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Quynh is the Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon (FLS), a community development organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Little Saigon’s cultural, economic, and historical vitality. Coming from a small business family, Quynh is passionate about supporting small immigrant- and refugee-owned businesses and fostering community-driven solutions for health, safety, and well-being. Her 14 years of nonprofit development experience have shaped local policy, advanced opportunities for Southeast Asian artists and cultural practitioners, and increased investments in BIPOC initiatives around equitable development and small business resiliency. Quynh currently serves on the boards of Historic South Downtown, Crescent Collaborative, and the Race and Social Equity Taskforce. She is also the mother of two toddlers, who continue to fuel her drive to ensure they grow up in a culturally rich, accessible, and diverse community.
"Our neighborhood business districts are the backbone of Seattle’s local economy and community identity. I’m excited to support a transition that uplifts small businesses, strengthens local communities, and ensures every part of the city benefits when our economy grows."
Brian Surratt
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Brian is a multi-sector executive with 25 years of experience driving economic development and cultivating partnerships across private and public sectors and diverse communities. Currently, Brian is the CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, a private/public partnership focused on attracting new business, promoting international trade, and growing our major industries for the region. Previously, Brian was the Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, where he oversaw small business, workforce, key industry, foreign-direct investment, and anti-displacement programs and strategies, and negotiated the city’s $1.2 billion development agreement to build Climate Pledge Arena. During his time in the Mayor’s Office of Policy and Innovation, Brian served as the policy lead in Seattle’s effort to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
"Seattle’s long-term stability relies on an economic strategy that lifts workers and supports small businesses and our leading industries. I’m honored to support a transition committed to transparent governance, economic justice and opportunity, and high-growth workforce pathways that anchor prosperity across the city."
Transition Team Members
The transition team is organized into seven policy areas focused on:
- Housing Affordability & Community Needs
- Economic Development & Workers Rights
- Transportation & Environment
- Arts, Culture & Creative Economy
- Civic Narrative & Major Initiatives
- Standing Up for Our Values
- Public Safety, Parks & Wellbeing
Transition team members in each policy area will solicit input from a broad base of community advisors to identify short, medium, and long-term priorities that advance the Mayor-Elect’s platform in accordance with her vision. The transition team also includes six student and youth advisors.
Transition Team Leadership
Andrés Mantilla, Transition Director; Uncommon Bridges
Karen Estevenin, Transition Co-Chair; Executive Director, Protec17
Tiffani McCoy, Transition Co-Chair; Co-Executive Director, House Our Neighbors
Quynh Pham, Transition Co-Chair; Executive Director, Friends of Little Saigon
Brian Surratt, Transition Co-Chair; President and CEO, Greater Seattle Partners
Housing Affordability & Community Needs
Policy Area Co-Leads:
Colleen Echohawk, CEO, Community Roots Housing
Jon Scholes, President & CEO, Downtown Seattle Association
Policy Area Members:
- Cate Bridenstine, Executive Director, Imagine Institute
- Alvertis Brooks Jr., Executive Director, Rainier Valley Community Development Fund
- Gregory Davis, Managing Strategist, Rainier Beach Action Coalition
- Alison Eisinger, Executive Director, Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness
- Nakita Venus, Executive Director, Seattle's LGBTQ+ Center
Economic Development & Workers Rights
Policy Area Co-Leads:
Richard de Sam Lazaro, Senior Director, Government Affairs, Expedia
Corina Yballa, Political Director, MLK Labor
Policy Area Members:
- Jeanie Chunn, Founder, Seattle Restaurants United
- Arif Gursel, Founder and Executive Director, The Union
- Toshiko Hasegawa, Commissioner, Port of Seattle
- Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000, Seattle School Board
- Terrance Stevenson, Director, SeaCiti Initiative, WTIA
Transportation & Environment
Policy Area Co-Leads:
Shemona Moreno, Executive Director, 350 Seattle
Anna Zivarts, Program Director, Disability Mobility Initiative
Policy Area Members:
- Lowell Bander, 9Zero Climate Innovation Hub
- Lindsay Goes Behind, Chief Impact Officer, Seattle Foundation
- Lee Lambert, Executive Director, Cascade Bicycle Club
- Paulina Lopez, Executive Director, Duwamish River Community Coalition
- Gordon Padelford, Executive Director, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways
Arts, Culture & Creative Economy
Policy Area Co-Leads:
Randy Engstrom, Co-Founder & Principal, Third Way Creative
Ben Hunter, Artistic Director, Northwest Folklife
Policy Area Members:
- Michael Greer, President and CEO, ArtsFund
- Jesse Hagopian, Educator, Author, and Blues Musician
- Edwin Lindo, Co-Founder, Estelita's Library
- Amy Nguyen, Executive Director, Watershed Community Development
- Elisheba Wokoma, Co-Executive Director, Wa Na Wari
Civic Narrative & Major Initiatives
Policy Area Co-Leads:
Alex Hudson, Executive Director, Commute Seattle
Joy Shigaki, President & CEO, Friends of the Waterfront
Policy Area Members:
- Lilliane Ballesteros, Executive Director, Latino Community Fund
- Dr. Ana Mari Cauce, President Emeritus, University of Washington
- Andrea Caupain Sanderson, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director, Ile Kimoyo
- Leo Flor, Chief Legacy Officer, Seattle FIFA World Cup 26
- Mari Horita, SVP, Seattle Kraken
Standing Up for Our Values
Policy Area Co-Leads:
Roxana Norouzi, Executive Director, OneAmerica
Jaelynn Scott, Executive Director, Lavender Rights Project
Policy Area Members:
- Caedman Cahill, Civil Rights Attorney
- Deaunte Damper, Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, King County
- Mubarak Elamin, American Muslim Advancement Council
- Faduma Fido, Collaborative Governance Lab Leader, People’s Economy Lab
- Abdi Jama, Community Legal Advocate
Public Safety, Parks, & Wellbeing
Policy Area Co-Leads:
Lisa Daugaard, Co-Executive Director, Purpose.Dignity.Action
Dominique Davis, CEO, Community Passageways
Policy Area Members:
- Asia Adam, Executive Director, OurHope
- Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO Business Improvement Association
- Rev. Dr. Robert Jeffrey, Sr., New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
- Gregory Joseph, Communications Director, Alliance for Gun Responsibility
- Lonnisha Landry, CEO, Just/Us Love Ones
Student & Youth Advisors
- Leo Falit-Baiamonte, President, Seattle Student Union
- Russell McQuarrie-Means, Student, South Seattle College
- Bailey Medilo, Staff Organizer, Washington Bus
- Simon Kreft, Student, Seattle Central College
- Rayne Thompson, Student, University of Washington
- Sonal Virk, ASUW Vice President, University of Washington
Senior Staff Team
Kate Brunette Kruezer
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The Chief of Staff works closely with the Mayor to implement her vision and priorities.
Kate Brunette Kreuzer is an organizer, facilitator and political strategist with over a decade of advocacy experience in campaigns for housing affordability, climate justice and labor rights. She joins the City of Seattle after seven years at Futurewise, a statewide land use advocacy nonprofit. As Futurewise Director of External Affairs, Kate led state legislative strategy for successful efforts to legalize middle housing, increase transit-oriented development, improve resiliency planning for climate change, and require cities and counties to plan for housing affordable at all income levels. Kate is a proud Transit Riders Union member and served as TRU's Treasurer from 2018-2022.
Jen Chan
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The Director of Departments supervises all Department Directors, and has ultimate responsibility for implementing policy decisions through City staff.
Jen joined Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) as a Deputy Executive Director in November 2024, where she oversees housing operations. Prior to joining SHA, Jen served in multiple leadership roles at the City of Seattle, including Chief of Staff at Seattle City Light, Assistant Department Director and Assistant Finance Director at the Department of Finance & Administrative Services, Interim Deputy Superintendent at the Parks & Recreation Department, Senior Operations Manager in the Mayor’s Office, and Policy & Fiscal Advisor in the Mayor’s Executive Office where she worked on public safety, human services, public health, education, workforce development and capital budgeting
With 25 years of City government experience, Jen is thrilled to support the successful launch of Mayor-Elect Wilson’s new administration for the next six months. Jen has a BA degree from Tufts University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington.
Seferiana Day Hasegawa
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The Director of Communications manages all external communications for the Mayor’s Office, and all communication with City staff.
Seferiana Day Hasegawa is an award-winning political communications strategist dedicated to public service, amplifying community voices, and advancing racial equity in local government. She has led communications for the City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development and teaches policy advocacy at the University of Washington School of Social Work. As co-founder of Upper Left Strategies, she supported dozens of first-time candidates to run for office.
Seferiana serves on the Washington State Leadership Board and is an alum of Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program and LT Impact. Over the past decade, she has served on the boards of the Washington Bus, Powerful Voices, and the South Seattle Emerald.
Named one of Seattle Met’s “100 Most Influential Seattleites” (2021) and an AAPC “40 Under 40” honoree (2022), Seferiana holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and undergraduate degrees from Seattle University. Her career spans grassroots organizing, legislative service, and campaign leadership—including roles with former Mayor and Councilmember Tim Burgess, Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Presidential campaign, Representative Pramila Jayapal’s 2014 State Senate campaign, and early organizing work with Working Washington and the Fight for $15.
Alex Gallo-Brown
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The Director of Community Relations reaches out to community groups and grassroots leaders to make sure everyone has a voice in their City government.
Born and raised in Seattle, Alex Gallo-Brown is a graduate of Garfield High School and holds an MA in English from Georgia State University. The author of two published collections of poetry, he is also a labor organizer who has worked for local unions and non-profit organizations since 2016. Before managing Mayor-elect Katie Wilson’s campaign, he was the founding Director of the Essential Workers Organizing Academy at UFCW 3000, an institute for union organizers.
Aly Pennucci
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The Director of the City Budget Office provides clear and actionable budget data, and runs the city budget office.
Aly Pennucci is a seasoned local government leader who brings over 17 years of proven leadership in public policy, budgeting, and fiscal management to her role as City Budget Director for the City of Seattle. She currently serves as the Deputy Executive for Whatcom County and previously served as Deputy Director for the City of Seattle's Council Central Staff. In Whatcom County, Aly streamlined the County's budget process and fiscal oversight systems, providing greater transparency for the public, while helping leverage untapped revenue sources in the face of budgetary shortfalls.
In her almost 10 years on the Seattle City Council Central Staff, Aly led the Council's annual budget review, amendment and adoption process, helping balance the city’s multi-billion dollar budget while navigating contending interests and competing priorities. She is ready to help Mayor-Elect Wilson build and steward a City budget that delivers on the goal of making Seattle livable for all.
Brian Surratt
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The Deputy Mayor is responsible for building public will for the Mayor’s key policy priorities.
Brian is a multi-sector executive with 25 years of experience driving economic development and cultivating partnerships across private and public sectors and diverse communities. Currently, Brian is the CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, a private/public partnership focused on attracting new business, promoting international trade, and growing our major industries for the region. Previously, Brian was the Director of the City of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, where he oversaw small business, workforce, key industry, foreign-direct investment, and anti- displacement programs and strategies, and negotiated the city’s $1.2 billion development agreement to build Climate Pledge Arena. During his time in the Mayor’s Office of Policy and Innovation, Brian served as the policy lead in Seattle’s effort to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
Nicole Vallestero Soper
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The Director of Policy and Innovation is responsible for developing and advancing specific policies that fulfil the Mayor’s vision.
Nicole is a policy analyst, facilitator, and researcher with nearly 15 years translating grassroots power into lasting policy change. As Policy Director at Puget Sound Sage, Nicole helped secure the nation's first $15 minimum wage in SeaTac and served on the Income Inequality Advisory Committee that shaped Seattle's minimum wage law. Nicole built infrastructure to support workers' rights and environmental justice as founding director of the Fair Work Center, founding board member of Front and Centered, and co-facilitator of founding of the Washington BIPOC Census Coalition (now Washington Community Alliance), and has extensive experience translating grassroots power into lasting policy change. Nicole was recognized by the City of Seattle for advancing civil rights and named one of the 15 people who should run Seattle by Seattle Met and is committed to bring both analytical rigor and collaborative spirit to complex policy challenges.