The start of a new year serves as both a time of reflection and an opportunity to set goals and plan for the future.
As we look back on the past three years at Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON), one word rises above all others: connection. Our staff has served the residents of Seattle with passion and dedication, and their work shows what it means to lead with equity and be shaped by community. In reflecting on the accomplishments and progress of this time, we want to acknowledge the steadfast leadership of Director Jenifer Chao. Under her guidance we have built a bold, values-driven strategic framework that will shape our work for years to come. As she takes the next step in her career, we want to express our gratitude for her foundational work that has positioned DON to lead with confidence into the future.
A note from Jenifer:
“It has been an honor to serve the City of Seattle for 17 years across multiple City departments. I have always served where I am called to make things better for community and was called to the role of the Director of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods in 2023.
In my three years as DON Director, I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished together:
- Deepened trust and relationships in communities across Seattle by showing up consistently.
- Partnered with the Seattle King County Clinic to expand outreach and accessibility.
- Launched the Best Day Ever with the Seattle Chamber of Connection to highlight the unique culture of neighborhoods across Seattle and build community connections.
- Partnered with the Seattle Police Department on the “Our City, Our Safety” Initiative to build trust with community and co-create community led solutions.
- Increased strategic partnerships with City departments: Seattle Public Utilities, Seattle Human Services Department, Seattle City Light, and Seattle Parks and Recreation.
- Strengthened tribal engagement in collaboration with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs.
- Created a civic engagement team centering indigenous roots and expanding community outreach.
- Won the All-America City Award two years in a row for authentic community engagement.
As a Mien woman from Southeast Asia, I am grateful for the opportunity to be seen, valued, and entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people of Seattle and I am forever thankful that I was able to serve alongside such talented and dedicated colleagues within the department and across the City. I know they will continue to serve the people of Seattle with care and integrity.”
Looking Ahead
As we plan for the upcoming year, we are excited to welcome Quynh Pham to DON. Quynh will soon step in as the department’s Acting Director. Current Deputy Director, Sam Read will fill in as Interim Director until that time.
Quyhn is currently the Executive Director of Friends of Little Saigon (FLS), a community development organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing Little Saigon’s cultural, economic, and historical vitality. Her 14 years of nonprofit development experience have shaped local policy, advanced opportunities for Southeast Asian artists and cultural practitioners, and increased investments in BIPOC initiatives around equitable development and small business resiliency. She is also the mother of two toddlers, who continue to fuel her drive to ensure they grow up in a culturally rich, accessible, and diverse community.
A note from Quynh:
“I am honored to step into the Department of Neighborhoods, a department that sits at the intersection of community and government. Through my work at Friends of Little Saigon, I have learned that the most effective solutions come from those closest to the challenges. In this new role, I look forward to working alongside and supporting Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods.”
Sam Read has been with the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) for ten years. He joined the DON team in 2016 as a Senior Public Relations Specialist and was promoted to Communications Director in 2020 and, in 2023, moved into the role of Deputy Director. Prior to joining the City of Seattle, Sam spent more than 15 years working in the arts sector, from managing a small nonprofit theatre to serving as Deputy Director of Theatre Puget Sound and Director of External Relations at the University of Washington School of Drama.
A note from Sam:
“Over the past decade at the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, I have seen how much we can achieve when government and community act in true partnership. By centering community leadership and building trust, we are creating a more inclusive and equitable city. I am honored to serve as Interim Director during this transition and will work to ensure that DON is well positioned for our next chapter.”
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods and we are excited for what lies ahead. Stay tuned for upcoming announcement and and to learn ways you can get involved in celebrating this milestone with us.
