Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine announces the departure of Deputy Executive Sung Yang to the private sector and the promotion of Rachel Smith as new Chief of Staff.

Story

King County Deputy Executive Sung Yang will be leaving the Executive's Office to join a local consulting firm.  As Deputy Executive, Yang was responsible for all policy development, external and government relations, communications, special projects, and administration of the Executive's Office staff.

Yang joins Pacific Public Affairs as a Principal to consult and advise clients on a wide range of complex public relations and communications matters.

"Sung has been one of my most trusted advisors. He effectively spearheaded numerous, major initiatives and played an integral role in my successes as County Executive,” said Executive Constantine. "I thank Sung for his excellent service over the last seven years and wish him well in this exciting new role. With Rachel as Chief of Staff, my team is well-positioned to move forward with my progressive agenda for King County." 

“It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to work for such an inspiring and innovative leader in serving the people of King County,” said Yang. “I thank Executive Constantine for giving me the opportunity to serve as a member of his senior leadership team. It’s not an easy choice, but I leave knowing the County is in a much stronger position than when we arrived, and it will only get stronger under the Executive’s continued leadership.”

As Chief of Staff, Smith will be responsible for administration of the Executive’s Staff as well as directing strategic initiatives and external and internal policy coordination. She previously served as Director of Government Relations in the Executive’s Office and has nearly 15 years of government affairs, policy, and advocacy experience.

“I am excited to take on the role as Chief of Staff for Executive Constantine and to help lead our efforts to ensure King County is a place of opportunity for everyone,” said Smith. “Working with the talented and committed members of our team, I look forward to continuing to serve the people of King County and implementing the Executive's vision.”

Smith has previously worked for Sound Transit and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. She helped develop and pass several, major local, state and regional transportation measures including ST2 and ST3.

Quotes

Sung has been one of my most trusted advisors. He effectively spearheaded numerous, major initiatives and played an integral role in my successes as County Executive. I thank Sung for his excellent service over the last seven years and wish him well in this exciting new role. With Rachel as Chief of Staff, my team is well-positioned to move forward with my progressive agenda for King County.

It has been a tremendous privilege and honor to work for such an inspiring and innovative leader in serving the people of King County. I thank Executive Constantine for giving me the opportunity to serve as a member of his senior leadership team. It’s not an easy choice, but I leave knowing the County is in a much stronger position than when we arrived, and it will only get stronger under the Executive’s continued leadership.

I am excited to take on the role as Chief of Staff for Executive Constantine and to help lead our efforts to ensure King County is a place of opportunity for everyone. Working with the talented and committed members of our team, I look forward to continuing to serve the people of King County and implementing the Executive's vision.

For more information, contact:

Alex Fryer, Executive Office, 206-477-7966