Harrell Announces Picks For Executive Department, Cabinet

SEATTLE, WA — Ahead of taking office next week, Seattle Mayor-elect Bruce Harrell has announced the latest round of picks for his executive department and cabinet.

The new staff members include a former City employee, a former state legislator, a longtime television industry professional and a gun violence prevention advocate. Harrell said he prioritized creating a "representative and responsive City government" when building out the team.

"I'm excited by the team of leaders we've convened to effectively move Seattle forward," Harrell said in a statement. "In my administration, you'll see our staff truly engage with the community — visible and accessible to all, empowered to take action, and committed to seeking the solutions that drive positive change."

Harrell was named Seattle's next mayor on Nov. 4, after City Council President M. Lorena González conceded the race to him. Prior to becoming mayor-elect, he served three terms on the Seattle City Council from 2007 to 2019, and was elected council president twice.

Deputy Mayor of External Relations: Kendee Yamaguchi

As deputy mayor of external relations, Yamaguchi will establish relationships between the city and community groups, nonprofit organizations and local businesses. She will also support the city's COVID-19 response and coordinate mayoral priorities around cultural initiatives and events in the arts, film, music, sports, job creation and nightlife sectors.

Yamaguchi is a former City employee who has worked in the White House and in Washington state's Department of Commerce. She currently serves as executive director of Snohomish County, a role in which she led the early COVID-19 economic response strategy in the area where the nation's first known case occurred.

Interim Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Relations: Gael Tarleton

Tarleton will facilitate collaboration across all government levels, advocate for federal and state investments, and ensure the City of Seattle is a partner in regional efforts.

She represented Washington's 36th legislative district in Olympia for eight years — and had stints as House Finance Committee Chair and House Majority Floor Leader — and was elected twice to the Port of Seattle Commission, though last November she lost the secretary of state race to Kim Wyman.

"Gael Tarleton's proven leadership will be a huge asset for Seattle," Harrell said. "Her unique ability to build and sustain productive relationships will greatly enhance Seattle's ability to increase its resources and develop favorable legislative policy."

Special Advisor for Public Engagement: Matt Chan

Chan will advise the mayor on the City's use of digital technology to enhance public engagement, strengthen transparency, and address the digital divide.

A decades-long television industry professional, he has served on the KCTS board of director and was named to the Hollywood Reporter's "Top 50 Reality Power Producers" list. He currently teaches at the University of Washington's Communication Leadership program and consults on network television programs.

"I am pleased when people like Matt Chan answer the call of public service to help Seattle reach a new level of meaningful public engagement where all voices are heard," Harrell said. "This is a critical part of our vision."

Interim Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights: Derrick Wheeler-Smith

Derrick Wheeler-Smith, current King County Director of Zero Youth Detention, will be interim director of Seattle's Office for Civil Rights. In the role, he will implement the mayor-elect's equity and justice priorities — including the Race and Social Justice Initiative — and will expand housing and workforce opportunities and deliver youth support and mentorship.

Wheeler-Smith is a former youth outreach worker and coach at Franklin High School and served as a teacher and counselor at Seattle Urban Academy. He played an integral role in King County's declaration of racism as a public health crisis, and co-organized South Seattle's "We Want to Live" march in response to the murder of George Floyd.

Chief of Staff: Jennifer Samuels

As Harrell's chief of staff, Samuels will oversee the Mayor's Office by doing everything from directing office staff and improving office efficiency to addressing constituent needs.

She worked in Harrell's office while he served in the Seattle City Council from 2008 to 2019, where she managed his committee work, full council briefings, human resources, constituent services and community priorities.

Samuels has also served as lead judicial aide to State Supreme Court Justice Robert F. Utter.

Legal Counsel: Jeremy Racca

Racca will analyze and support the City on policy and legal issues, and will facilitate collaboration between the City Attorney's Office and City departments.

As a seven-year legislative aide for Harrell, Racca staffed civil rights and public safety matters, and worked on police accountability policies and digital privacy protections.

He joins the administration from New York City-based global law firm Clyde and Co., where he focuses on domestic and international litigation and arbitrations involving insurance, energy, trade, commodities, infrastructure, and transportation.

Gun Violence Prevention Liaison: DeVitta Briscoe

As gun violence prevention liaison, Briscoe will focus on community-driven solutions to addressing and preventing gun violence. She will coordinate with the Regional Peacekeeper Collective, law enforcement, local nonprofits and impacted community members.

Briscoe works toward intervention and frontline support for youth of color to reduce gun violence, ensure police accountability, and empower grieving families. She launched the Black Women's Coalition to End Violence, and is trained to facilitate Restorative Justice-based healing circles and in the Alive & Free™ violence prevention methodology.

She draws on her experience as a survivor and as someone who lost her son, Donald McCaney, to gun violence in 2010; and her brother, Che Taylor, to police violence.