Among the candidates vying for an open seat on the Seattle City Council: an Amazon Web Services manager, a radiology expert, and a self-described Magic: The Gathering fan.
The City of Seattle revealed a list of the 22 people who applied for the temporary District 5 vacancy on the council, created when former councilmember Cathy Moore resigned on July 7.
The council will select a replacement on July 28. The new councilmember will serve until a 2026 special election.
Seattle councilmembers are grappling with a $251 million budget deficit and a potential new framework for the city’s business and occupation (B&O) tax, among other issues and proposals.
Read on to learn more about the candidates with tech backgrounds, with excerpts from their resumes and cover letters included in applications for the position.
Candidate: Gregory Boldt
Geek cred: Computer programmer for more than three decades. Worked for Evergreen Weigh Inc., Pacific Pipeline Inc., and American Database Inc. in the late 1980s/early ’90s as a programmer and analyst.
In their words: “What my data skills will allow me to do is quickly learn what the City of Seattle is currently doing, how it is succeeding, and how it is failing. I can wade through the city’s current public data to analyze how different trends are improving or worsening.”
Candidate: Lissa Latham
Geek cred: Health systems technology leader and radiology expert.
In their words: “Backed by an M.S. in Allied Health with special focuses that include Social Determinants of Health and Healthcare Management & Disparities, I translate bedside experience into data driven quality programs that expand access to essential services — from underserved East African families in South Seattle to remote communities in the San Juan Islands and Southeast Alaska.”
Candidate: Nathan Schroeder
Geek cred: Software QA engineer for eight years at Microsoft, RealNetworks, and other tech companies. Owns a boxing gym and notes Magic: The Gathering — the popular game from Renton, Wash.-based Wizards of the Coast — as an interest.
In their words: “When the pandemic hit, I led a full operational and software transformation to keep the doors open, preserve jobs, and emerge stronger and more efficient than before.”
Candidate: Eric Souder
Geek cred: More than 25 years of experience at various tech companies leading partnerships and business development. Currently vice president of business development at Seattle cybersecurity startup Nametag.
In their words: “My career has been defined by building partnerships, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, and leading teams. I am adept at identifying opportunities, streamlining processes, and implementing strategic initiatives — skills I am eager to bring to the Seattle City Council.”
Candidate: Chloe Tang
Geek cred: Partner at a climate tech startup, tech community manager.
In their words: “Promoter of bright new ideas that benefit humanity, change the world and make it a better place for all of us to live in.”
Candidate: Robert Wilson
Geek cred: Senior product manager at Amazon Web Services, former quality assurance officer with the U.S. Navy.
In their words: “As a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, I led teams that drove the submarine, operated its nuclear reactor, and conducted the maintenance onboard. I love to learn, think data can drive clarity but isn’t the full picture, and appreciate how everyone can bring their own unique perspective to problem solving.”
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