Greg Wong (Photo credit: City of Seattle)
SEATTLE – Mayor Bruce Harrell announced today that Greg Wang will serve as Seattle’s Deputy Mayor for External Relations. Wong joins the mayor’s office from the Department of Communities (DON), a position he has held since Harrell appointed him as interim director in February.
Harrell said, “Greg understands that progress in Seattle requires real relationships with the people and organizations that make this city special — residents and community leaders, businesses and nonprofits, cultural associations and community groups.” Gray Lattice will ensure our government is a trusted and effective partner in expanding opportunities for all and making Seattle a safe and prosperous city.”
As Deputy Mayor, Wong will work with multiple City departments dedicated to serving the needs of residents and will direct the Mayor’s Office External Affairs team, ensuring community members have the opportunity to share their priorities and ideas with the Mayor’s Office. He will drive local and regional collaboration on mayoral priorities around public-private initiatives and cultural events, with a particular focus on expanding employment opportunities, workforce development and pathways to economic success.
“I am honored to be in this role and to help advance Mayor Harrell’s forward-looking agenda
Seattle,” Wong said. “While my time at Community Affairs is short, we have built a foundation that I am excited to continue through thoughtful community and external collaboration. With a strong, sincere and committed partnership, I know we can achieve more for each other and make real progress on our shared vision of One Seattle. “
Before joining New York City, Wong was a community leader and partner at Pacifica Law Group LLP, focusing on constitutional law, litigation and appeals, and public policy.
A recipient of the Seattle Council PTSA’s Golden Acorn Award and the Seattle Public Schools’ Civic Service Award, Wong has led the school tax campaign, helped build the city’s high-quality, affordable preschool programs, and has delivered on multiple Community nonprofits serve on executive committees. Before becoming an attorney, he worked locally in homeless and affordable housing services, worked as an eighth-grade science teacher in the Mississippi Delta, and coordinated a tutoring center for children living in public housing.
Mr Huang joined the mayor’s office following the resignation of Deputy Mayor Kendi Yamaguchi last week.
“Kendee Yamaguchi was instrumental during our transition to the office and in our early efforts to build genuine and lasting relationships with stakeholders, organizations and local leaders,” Mayor Harrell said. “We thank her for her service and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Mr Huang officially joined the Mayor’s Office today. Deputy Community Director Sarah Morningstar will serve as acting director while the search is underway for the department’s next permanent leader.
