Summary

Alex Fryer, an award-winning former journalist and public affairs vice president, has been named the new communications director for King County Executive Dow Constantine. He begins his new position with the Executive Office on August 1.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Alex Fryer to serve as his new communications director, effective Aug. 1, 2016.

Fryer has extensive background and experience in both public and private sector communications, most recently as Vice President of Public Affairs for The Fearey Group, a local media and government relations firm.

"Alex Fryer’s exceptional knowledge and expertise in communications, and in community outreach and engagement, will help advance our work on equity and social justice, climate change, regional mobility, implementing our groundbreaking Best Starts for Kids initiative, and continuing to build the best run government in the nation. He will be a great asset and a welcome addition to our team,” said Executive Constantine.

Fryer previously served as press secretary and senior advisor to former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, where he was responsible for overseeing communications efforts for that administration for nearly three years. Before joining the Mayor’s Office, Fryer was an award-winning journalist for the Seattle Times covering a wide range of issues for over 10 years, including three years as the Times’ chief political reporter in Washington, D.C. Prior to writing for the Times, he was a reporter for the Puget Sound Business Journal, where he covered local government and economic development.

Fryer has also worked as a private communications consultant with his own firm, with both public and private sector clients, including statewide, regional and local campaigns.

“I am very excited to be joining Executive Constantine and his team,” said Fryer. “Under the Executive’s leadership, King County has become a model for effective and inclusive government. I look forward to exploring new ways to connect and engage with people all across King County, and help make progress on transportation, equity and social justice, climate change and other regional priorities.”

Fryer will provide leadership to both internal and external communications for Executive Constantine. A Seattle native, Fryer earned a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington.