Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County Names Marie Kurose as Chief Executive Officer
Chosen for her “vision, commitment to equity & fierce work ethic”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 29, 2019
Seattle, Wash– The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is pleased to announce that Marie Kurose has been named the next Chief Executive Officer, bringing to the role more than 30 years of experience leading workforce development initiatives in the region, working in community-based organizations, private philanthropy, and major public institutions, including the City of Seattle and most recently the Port of Seattle. Ms. Kurose also served nearly seven years at the WDC—known at the time as the Private Industry Council—working as a Project Manager to implement initiatives that included partnering with agencies to establish the first centralized dislocated worker program site.
“Marie has demonstrated a deep working knowledge of national and local workforce development systems and policies,” says Board Chair Tom Peterson. “That knowledge will be vital as we transform our regional approach to broadening funding sources, increasing program efficiency, and targeting racial inequity.”
Ms. Kurose was selected after an extensive national search led by the consulting firm and racial equity specialists at Morten Group LLC. A search committee comprised of WDC board members and stakeholders from King County’s business, labor, and philanthropy sectors—as well as community partners—interviewed candidates from across the country over the course of several months.
Throughout her career, Ms. Kurose has demonstrated a commitment to engaging and partnering with communities of color, immigrants, refugees, and other community stakeholders. She has led efforts to unite community, philanthropic, and public-private partnerships in effective working relationships, and to improve collaboration with diverse systems and community organizations.
“I am excited for this opportunity to build on my passion and longstanding commitment to economic equity and social justice,” says Ms. Kurose. “I look forward to collaborating with our business, labor, training, community, and philanthropic partners to ensure our diverse communities are part of our region’s economic growth and prosperity.
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The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King Countyis a nonprofit workforce grant-funding organization led by a majority private sector board that oversees employment-related programs for youth, the adult workforce, and employers in Seattle-King County, with the goal of a strong economy and self-sufficiency for every resident.
Media Contact
Joe Taylor, Strategic Communications
Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
jtaylor@seakingwdc.org | 206-448-0474 x 3031; Cell: 206-452-9405