Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced her decisions on the leadership of several city departments on Wednesday.
“I could not be more excited about the talent and expertise of the people who have stepped up to lead city departments, and I know that together, this team will be able to accomplish extraordinary things,” said Wilson.
Among the leaders from the AAPI community are Quynh Pham at the Department of Neighborhoods, Amy Nguyen at the Office of Arts and Culture, Mina Hashemi at Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Dr. Amarah Khan at the Office of the Employee Ombud.
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- Quynh Pham
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- Mina Hashemi
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- Amy Nguyen
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- Dr. Amarah Khan
Quynh Pham:
“I am honored to step into the Department of Neighborhoods, a department that sits at the intersection of community and government. Through my work at Friends of Little Saigon, I have learned that the most effective solutions come from those closest to the challenges. In this new role, I look forward to working alongside and supporting Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods.”
Amy Nguyen:
“Creativity is how a city honors its past, heals its present, and imagines its future. I’m honored to serve as the Acting Director for the Office of Arts & Culture, and excited to support the artists and communities shaping Seattle every day. My north star is a future where more people have resources, space, and freedom to create and where meaningful cultural experiences are within reach and close to home.”
Dr. Amarah Khan:
“It is an absolute privilege to continue to serve the City of Seattle Employees as the Director of the Ombuds Office. Our office is a safe place for employees to report issues and concerns. For nearly seven years, we have diligently upheld the highest standards of confidentiality while ensuring conflict resolution services are provided in a timely manner.”
Other departments will see interim leadership changes until a permanent director is selected. At the Office of Housing, Maiko Winkler-Chin will be leaving as director, and Andréa Akita will serve as Interim Director.
Andréa Akita:
“I’m honored to serve in this interim role, leading the Seattle Office of Housing. Our team is dedicated to stewarding the City’s affordable housing investments, policies, and programs to prevent displacement, create new opportunities, and preserve existing affordable homes. This work is rooted in collaboration, working jointly with others to achieve shared goals, because we know that only by partnering with communities, stakeholders, and advocates can we realize Mayor Wilson’s vision of a Seattle that is affordable for everyone.”
Maiko Winkler-Chin:
“It has been an honor to serve these last four years as Director of the Seattle Office of Housing.
Together, we achieved incredible milestones: passing the nation’s largest Housing Levy at nearly $1 billion, welcoming over 800 low-income families into affordable rental homes, helping 300 families buy their first homes, and advancing projects like Fort Lawton, Mount Baker Station, and Lake City Community Center.
I leave the Office in the hands of my good friend and mission partner, Interim Director Andréa Akita, who will continue the hard work of making sure everyone in Seattle has a healthy and affordable home.”