Summary

Executive Constantine announced Shannon Braddock as his new Deputy Executive, and Karan Gill as Chief of Staff effective today. Deputy Executive April Putney will depart King County in July. Braddock has worked in the Executive’s office since 2017.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced the appointments of Shannon Braddock as Deputy Executive and Karan Gill to serve as Chief of Staff. As Deputy Executive, Braddock will provide strategic direction and coordination for Executive Constantine’s priorities, and advise on emerging issues, policy development, and external and governmental relations. Executive Constantine also announced the upcoming departure of Deputy Executive April Putney, who will be leaving County service next month.

Braddock has worked in the Executive’s Office since 2017, including previously as Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Director of Council Relations. Prior to joining the Executive’s Office, she led the office of King County Councilmember Joe McDermott. She has also worked in regulatory affairs in the private sector, the U.S. House of Representatives, and has served on the boards of the West Seattle Food Bank and WestSide Baby.

"Shannon is a trusted leader and advisor who brings extensive experience at King County working with our partners in the public and private sectors, and the communities we serve," said Executive Constantine. "As Deputy Executive she will use that experience, and the trust she has built, to help leaders across the enterprise advance our initiatives."

Along with Braddock’s appointment, Executive Constantine has appointed Karan Gill to serve as Chief of Staff. Gill will oversee Executive Department policy priorities and will serve on the Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic support across the organization. Gill has worked in the Executive Office since 2020, previously working for the Metropolitan King County Council and Washington State House of Representatives.

Executive Constantine also announced the departure of Deputy Executive April Putney, who is leaving for a new opportunity outside of government. Putney will continue serving as Deputy Executive until her last day in July. Putney served as Deputy Executive since 2022 and previously as Chief of Staff.

"Throughout her time at King County, April has been integral to our successes and a valued ally to community groups and our partner organizations throughout the region," said Executive Constantine. "Especially over the last few years as Deputy Executive, April has been an invaluable advisor and leader as we navigated the pandemic and embarked on some of our most ambitious initiatives. While we will miss her at King County, I’m glad she will continue to serve our region with her next adventure, the details of which will be announced in the weeks ahead."

Relevant links

• Executive Office homepage

Quotes

Shannon is a trusted leader and advisor who brings extensive experience at King County working with our partners in the public and private sectors, and the communities we serve. As Deputy Executive she will use that experience, and the trust she has built, to help leaders across the enterprise advance our initiatives.
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Throughout her time at King County, April has been integral to our successes and a valued ally to community groups and our partner organizations throughout the region. Especially over the last few years as Deputy Executive, April has been an invaluable advisor and leader as we navigated the pandemic and embarked on some of our most ambitious initiatives. While we will miss her at King County, I’m glad she will continue to serve our region with her next adventure, the details of which will be announced in the weeks ahead.

For media inquiries, contact:

Chase Gallagher, Executive Office, 206-263-8537