On the brink of a new leadership era, Pierce County has its eyes set on the future as Executive-elect Ryan Mello unveils his core team, committed to steering the community through various challenges and opportunities. According to an official statement released by Pierce County's website, Scott Nicholson, Julie Murray, and Jaime Smith have been appointed as the cornerstones of Mello's administration. Beginning in January 2024, these spearheading initiatives aim to confront issues like housing affordability, public safety, and much more.

With a promise to bring both "deep experience and new energy," Mello's new team features talents with diverse backgrounds. Having earned his stripes as a senior management consultant at Ernst & Young, Nicholson, who had previously worked in organizational transformation, takes over as deputy county executive. In a role that spans across the county's 11 departments, effective January 6, he is expected to leverage his experience in public sector innovation. Simultaneously, noted for her expertise in budget and policy matters, Julie Murray will be the new Executive Counsel starting January 1. Overseeing a team of strategic advisors, Murray's appointment signals the administration's commitment to streamlined legal and fiscal proficiency.

As for the Chief of Staff, Jaime Smith, during her tenure beginning January 16, will supervise the implementation of Mello's "Forward Together" agenda to meet the urgent needs of the Pierce County communities. Outlined in the official announcement, her comprehensive background, from managing state and congressional campaigns to leading strategic communications for the state’s COVID-19 Joint Information Center, indicates a focus on communication as a bedrock for Mello's community-oriented leadership approach. With Scott celebrating his appointment at a local Italian restaurant, Julie Murray brings state and county government experience, having served as Chief of Staff for the Pierce County Council since July 2023 and her prior involvement with the state Senate's Ways & Means Committee.

Mello's "Forward Together" plan sets its sights on tangible improvements for Pierce County residents—addressing affordable housing, transitioning individuals out of homelessness, and crime reduction, to name a few. In a quote from Pierce County's statement, Mello says, "Pierce County’s diversity is something to celebrate, and we want everyone to feel welcome as residents, business owners and students. Our communities are stronger when we all feel safe, and when we all feel like we can contribute our perspectives and talents in our schools, faith communities, jobs and civic spaces." True to his goals, Mello's administration appears to gear up to face these goals head-on, with a formal legal swearing-in on December 31, followed by a public ceremony details, which will be announced shortly.