Primary Contact Email: mkeeley@co.whatcom.wa.us
TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM:
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Request confirmation of the County Executive’s appointment of Kayla Schott-Bresler as Deputy Executive effective April 10, 2024
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SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE:
Kayla Schott-Bresler has over 12 years of experience in local government administration, policy, and external affairs. Over this time, she has gained deep experience managing complex projects and administering government funding, bringing with her strong knowledge of local revenue sources, land use, capital project requirements, and state government relations. She has worked in the Executive’s Office since July, 2022 as the Special Programs Manager for Srategic Initiatives. In this role, Ms. Schott-Bresler partnered with the County Executive and County Council and effectively collaborated with departmental leaders, other jurisdictions, community partners, advisory boards, and advocacy groups. She handles this work with a highly skilled proactive, problem-solving approach and has been instrumental in the County’s progress on housing, childcare, behavioral health, and climate.
Prior to her role in the Executive’s Office, Ms. Schott-Bresler was Deputy County Administrator for Skagit County, and previously served as the Assistant Director of of Skagit County Public Health. She has a Master’s Degree in history from the University of Washington and a Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College. Her qualities of independent and sound judgment, strong public relations skills, and consensus-building will be very valuable in the Deputy Executive position.
The appointment of Kayla Schott-Bresler is an important component of the reorganization of the Executive’s Office in light of the transition of Tyler Schroeder to his new role at the Port of Bellingham. She is broadly recognized as the right person at the right time to fulfill this critical role.