Mike Fong
By Assunta Ng
Northwest Asian Weekly
Mike Fong has been appointed as Mayor Ed Murray’s Chief of Staff, who will plan and oversee the daily operations of the mayor’s office.
Fong is the first Asian American chief of staff in the City’s history.
Born in Spokane, Fong, 38, was Deputy Director of Mayor Ed Murray’s Office of Policy and Innovation, helping to advance Murray’s policy agenda, specifically in the Seattle Preschool Program and in the creation of the Seattle Parks District. Fong has also served as the Mayor’s primary liaison with members of the City Council.
“I will directly report to Mayor Murray and lead his Core Executive Team in advancing the Mayor’s efforts around a safe, equitable, affordable and vibrant Seattle for all,” said Fong. About 60 to 70 staff members will report to Fong.
Currently, there are eight people reporting to Murray, including two Asian Americans: Deputy Mayor Hyeok Kim and Viet Shelton, Communications Director.
Prior to joining the Mayor’s office in 2014, Fong worked for the Seattle City Council, including serving as lead policy staff to Councilmembers Heidi Wills and Tom Rasmussen, and as a policy analyst on the City Council’s Central Staff.
Fong speaks Cantonese. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1999 with a bachelor of arts in political science. He is a youth basketball coach with the Seattle Chinese Athletic Association and the Seattle Parks Department, where he coaches kids in the 5th-7th grade.
Fong’s salary was $140,000 prior to his promotion.
Murray’s former chief of staff Chris Gregorich will move into a new role as Special Adviser for Strategic Initiatives. (end)
Assunta Ng can be reached at assunta@nwasianweekly.com.