Councilmember Barón’s staff

District 4 staff would like to assist you in navigating King County government to address your needs and answer your questions. Please contact staff directly for the issues listed below or regarding any constituent concerns.

Lan Nguyen

Chief of Staff
206-477-3093
lan.nguyen@kingcounty.gov

Lan Nguyen (she/her) comes to the District 4 office with experience in non-profit, local and state governments in the fields of public policy, legislative advocacy, and public health. On behalf of Councilmember Barón, Lan works to advance key goals and priorities, oversees the district office, and serves as contact for media and communications. Her policy portfolio includes the county budget, arts and culture, and initiatives related to Harborview Medical Center. Lan holds a B.A. in Political Science and Anthropology from the University of Washington, and a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Los Angeles.

• Budget
• Arts and culture
• Harborview Medical Center initiatives

Jessie Friedmann

Community Liaison and Policy Advisor
206-477-4047
jessica.friedmann@kingcounty.gov

Born and raised in District 4, Jessie Friedmann (she/her) serves as Councilmember Barón’s policy advisor/community liaison working on policy related to housing, behavioral health, homelessness, public health, human service levies, and land use. She will be the first point of contact for constituent issues in Belltown, Uptown/Lower Queen Anne, Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Fremont, and Wallingford. Jessie is passionate about building effective, compassionate systems of care for all youth, adults, and elders in King County.

Jessie joins CM Barón’s team after serving as the Director of Public Policy & External Affairs at YouthCare, where she led local, state, and federal organizational and coalition efforts. Previously, she served as a senior policy analyst for the UW Office of Planning & Budgeting. She has a Master of Social Work from the UW, and is the thrilled but exhausted owner of two shelter dogs.

• Housing and homelessness
• Public health and behavioral health
• Human service levies
• Land use

Clara Manahan

Community Liaison and Policy Advisor
206-263-2213
clara.manahan@kingcounty.gov

Clara Manahan (she/her) joined Councilmember Barón’s office after 5 years working with former D4 Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles. Born and raised in D4, Clara brings her constituent experience in the district to her role on the District 4 team. She covers policy issues relating to the criminal legal system, economic development, the environment, parks and natural resources, and transit. Clara also serves as the first point of contact for the neighborhoods of Magnolia, Interbay, Ballard, Sunset Hill, Blue Ridge, and Loyal Heights. In her spare time, she enjoys being near water (ideally at Myrtle Edwards Park or the Locks), crocheting, and cooking. She has a B.A. in Law, Societies & Justice and Communications from the University of Washington.

• Criminal legal system
• Economic development
• Environment, parks and natural resources
• Public transit

Lorena Gutierrez Perez

Legislative Aide and Executive Assistant
206-477-1004
lorena.gutierrezperez@kingcounty.gov

Lorena (she/her) is joining Councilmember Barón’s office after working with former District 4 Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles since 2019. Having previously served the district, Lorena has extensive experience with constituent relations and managing an elected official’s office. She handles scheduling and communications. In addition, she is first point of contact for constituents residing in Bitter Lake, Broadview, Greenwood, Green Lake, Phinney Ridge or Licton Springs who may have questions, concerns, or need guidance. Lorena is a first-generation college graduate, obtaining a B.A. in Sociology and minor in Law, Societies and Justice from the University of Washington. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, creating art, and thrifting.

• Constituent relations
• Communications
• Scheduling