Bruce Harrell was sworn in on January 4 (screenshot from King5 YouTube)
The mayor of Seattle, Bruce Harrell, was sworn in on January 4 and was joined by members of his executive team.
A week ago, Harrell announced the latest round of recruitment to join his government cabinet.
Yamaguchi Kendy
Kendee Yamaguchi will serve as Deputy Mayor of Foreign Affairs. Yamaguchi is a former city employee and currently serves as the executive director of Snohomish County. His mission is to establish strong collaborative relationships between the City of Seattle and community groups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses.
“In the past few months, I have heard calls for a representative and responsive city government at transition meetings and on the street, together with city leaders and everyday neighbors. My executive team and cabinet are working on This prioritized approach is established,” Harrell said.
Yamaguchi will help support the city’s COVID response, guide the mayor’s external relations team, and coordinate the mayor’s priorities around cultural initiatives and activities, including in the areas of art, film, music, sports, job creation, and nightlife.
International Community Health Service (ICHS) President and Chief Executive Officer Teresita Batayola (Teresita Batayola) was recently appointed by President Joe Biden as a member of the advisory board. She called Yamaguchi “a strong Appointment… This is a recognition of her achievements and potential.”
More importantly, Mayor Harrrell recognized the diversity and challenges faced by Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders as Seattle’s fast-growing and influential communities. “
Community leader Frank Irigon stated that Yamaguchi’s appointment was just the first step in the right direction to appoint other highly qualified Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders. “From the chief of police to the head of the department, he knows that all these positions are on the table, and we have highly qualified people to fill these positions,” Irigon said.
Mike Fong, the former senior deputy mayor of Seattle, called Yamaguchi “a great bridge between the AAPI community and the new government. Harrell has assembled a talented and diverse leadership team.”
Also joining the Harrell government is Matt Chan, who will serve as a special advisor for public participation, advising the mayor on how the city can strategically use digital technology to increase public participation, increase transparency, and address the digital divide. Chan has more than 45 years of successful experience in the TV industry with awards and has served on the KCTS board of directors. His work makes him one of the few people of color on the list of “50 Reality Power Producers” reported by Hollywood.
“When people like Matt Chan respond to the call for public service to help Seattle reach a new level of meaningful public participation, so that all voices can be heard, I feel very happy,” Harrell said.
“This is a key part of our vision.”
Mariko Lockhart, the current director of the Seattle Civil Rights Office, will rejoin the Seattle Education and Early Learning Department as deputy director. She and director Dwane Chappelle will continue to promote major equity initiatives and provide high-quality support to Seattle students.
Harrell said: “The combination of Ms. Lockhart’s previous leadership in education and Mr. Wheeler-Smith’s leadership in fair work will produce outstanding results in our main fairness program with education and guidance as the main components.”
