Mayor-elect Katie Wilson has appointed leadership for three major city departments as she moves to address homelessness, reduce childcare costs, and improve Seattle’s transportation system. In announcing her decisions, Wilson highlighted her belief that continuity in leadership paired with fresh collaboration will help deliver results for residents.
A key component of these appointments is Dr. Dwane Chappelle, who will continue as Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning. Wilson said Chappelle’s leadership will be essential in tackling rising childcare costs and expanding access to affordable, high-quality early education.
“I am honored to continue serving as Director of Education and Early Learning under Mayor Wilson’s administration,” said Dr. Dwane Chappelle. “The renewed FEPP Levy represents a historic investment in childcare and preschool, bringing affordable, high-quality childcare to 4,500 children and supporting 5,000 childcare workers annually. Quality, affordable childcare is an essential infrastructure for our city’s economic vitality, our children’s futures, and as a family-friendly city. In close partnership with Mayor Wilson’s administration, we will develop a seamless continuum of support from cradle to career, ensuring that every Seattle child, regardless of zip code, income, or background, has the opportunity to thrive.”
Chappelle’s work will be closely tied to Wilson’s broader agenda, which also includes expanded homelessness services and investments in transportation.
Wilson said homelessness remains one of the most urgent challenges facing the city, especially with the World Cup coming to the region in 2026. To support that work, Wilson is retaining Seattle Human Services Department Director Tanya Kim, whose department leads efforts to coordinate shelter, outreach, and housing engagement.
“Reducing unsheltered homelessness will be a top priority for my administration,” Wilson wrote in her announcement. “We particularly need to take quick action to open new emergency housing and shelter beds ahead of the World Cup in June 2026. Success will require close collaboration between my administration, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, service providers, the business community, and many other stakeholders.”
“I love the Human Services Department, and I know our exceptional workforce and exceptional partners are ready to tackle the critical work ahead,” said Tanya Kim. “I look forward to working to implement the mayor’s vision, build upon our department’s collective strengths, and move quickly over the next four years to open new emergency shelter and bring people inside.”
Wilson said the department’s next phase will prioritize dignified shelter spaces and partnerships that scale solutions.
Transportation is another key pillar of Wilson’s agenda, particularly as the city prepares for major decisions on transit expansions, improvements, and levy renewals. To support that work, she named Angela Brady as Interim Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation.
Brady brings experience in civic planning and major infrastructure projects, including her time overseeing the new Waterfront Park and coordinating with Sound Transit.
“I am honored to be selected for this critical role with the new administration, particularly at such a pivotal and exciting time for our city,” said Angela Brady. “I have worked tirelessly through many years of community engagement, planning, design, and construction to successfully deliver on major investments that will forever shape Seattle’s waterfront and our city’s identity. I am thrilled to be able to offer my leadership and expertise toward delivering on SDOT’s commitments to the public as part of the Seattle Transportation Levy and so much more. I
want to thank Mayor-elect Wilson for trusting me with this important role, and I am truly looking forward to working in partnership with her, other city departments, communities, and key agency partners as we continue working to ensure efficient and safe access to all modes of travel in Seattle.”
Wilson also thanked outgoing SDOT Director Adiam Emery for her long career and service to the city. Emery has held roles across SDOT for more than 30 years, from intern to director, and helped lead major transportation initiatives that shaped Seattle’s current infrastructure.
“It has been an honor to conclude my more than 30-year career with the City of Seattle in the department that welcomed me and shaped me professionally, from starting as an intern to ultimately leading the department as director,” said Adiam Emery. “I will forever cherish serving as Deputy Mayor and leading SDOT in securing the largest voter-approved transportation levy in the city’s history, alongside adoption of the Seattle Transportation Plan, our 20-year vision for Seattle’s future. Returning to the department earlier this year has been deeply rewarding as we collectively launch levy deliverables, oversee the first phase of the Revive I-5 closures, and develop the operational plans needed to prepare for upcoming FIFA events. This return reflects a meaningful journey in my beloved second-home city, where I have raised my two wonderful children. I am deeply grateful for the partnership of the talented SDOT staff, City Council members, community stakeholders, the administration, and Mayor Harrell and his executive team. As I step away from this role, I remain committed to supporting the incoming executive leadership team during the transition and helping position SDOT and the City of Seattle to deliver a transportation system that is safe, equitable, and affordable, and that connects people to places and opportunity.”
Wilson said Emery’s contributions have helped set the foundation for the city’s next phase of transportation work.
The appointments reinforce Wilson’s emphasis on experienced leadership that can work collaboratively with the mayor’s office, community partners, and stakeholders to deliver progress on issues that affect residents’ daily lives.
