Dunn, Perry introduce motion to appoint Deputy Executive Shannon Braddock as acting Executive

March 27, 2025

King County Councilmembers Reagan Dunn and Sarah Perry on Thursday introduced a motion to appoint Deputy Executive Shannon Braddock as acting King County Executive as Dow Constantine steps down from the position early to assume a new role as CEO of Sound Transit.

“With Dow Constantine's tenure as King County Executive ending, the Council must engage in a multi-step process to select a new Executive,” Dunn said. “This motion represents the first step in that process — appointing an acting Executive. I am confident that the Council will work together as a body to make sure the seat is filled expediently.”

Executive Constantine has selected Braddock as his first choice to serve as interim Executive through an executive order. As the next step, the King County Council is expected to appoint an acting Executive, who would serve until an appointed Executive is selected (which could be the acting Executive or another candidate put forward by Council). That person would then serve until the results of the general election are certified in November. This process, which is defined by Washington State law and further clarified by the King County Charter, means that there could be as few as one, but up to three, temporary holders of the office of King County Executive—an interim, acting, and appointed Executive.

“At a time when the county has such significant and time-sensitive decisions to make, I have deep trust in Braddock’s ability to provide the stable leadership needed to do the work at hand," Perry said. “With this important step of the appointment process in place, I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to ensure we have a steady hand for King County government during this transition.”

Since her appointment as Deputy Executive in June 2023, Braddock has provided strategic direction and coordination for Executive Constantine’s priorities, advising on emerging issues, policy development, and external and government relations. Braddock has worked in the Executive’s Office since 2017, including previously as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Director of Council Relations. Prior to joining the Executive’s Office, she led the office of King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. She has also worked in regulatory affairs in the private sector, the U.S. House of Representatives, and has served on the boards of the West Seattle Food Bank and WestSide Baby.

The King County Council is expected to take up the motion at the next Council meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1.