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Andy4Kent

I’m running for Kent City Council because our city deserves leadership that listens, shows up, and gets things done. As a small business owner, therapist, and school board director, and College Professor, I’ve spent years working directly with the people most impacted by local decisions. I’m committed to building a Kent that is safe, affordable, and inclusive for everyone who calls it home.

The future of our city is facing uncertainty with on going job losses, recession, budget cuts, and abrupt federal policy enactments. Now is the time to elect someone with experience in running and sustaining a business, writing and understanding policy, and a practicing clinician who has worked alongside law enforcement and emergency responders to guide us towards sustainable practices. The citizens of Kent should not be a testing ground for candidates to test their theories, passions, and ideas. These are our lives and well being that are impacted.

Puget Sound Business Journal

Andy was named one of 2024’s 40 under 40

An annual awards program by the Puget Sound Business Journal (PSBJ) that recognizes and celebrates 40 young leaders under the age of 40 who are making a significant impact in their industries, communities, and organizations. This program highlights rising stars in the Seattle business world, showcasing their accomplishments, contributions, and leadership qualities. “

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Work History

1. Professor of Human Services and Social Sciences at Tacoma Community College & Colorado State University
2. Small Business Leader
3. Current Elected Kent School Board Director
4. Mental Health Therapist/Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Prior Work History:
1. Clinician in Emergency Department and Psychiatric Behavior Medicine Unit
2. Design team member for developing the Seattle Children’s Hospital Inpatient Psychiatric BioBehavioral Unit
3. Appointed by former Governor Jay Inslee to serve on his advisory team for Disabilities and Employment related issues
4. Seattle Police Department – Victim Support Team

Accomplishments

What has he done?

1. 40 under 40 2024′ (puget sound business journal)
2. Member of Kent Chamber of Commerce
3. Member/Donor of Kent Rotary Club
4. Currently Elected Kent School Board Director
5. 2022 Champion for Children Recipient (First5Fundamentals)
6. Small business leader
7. Kids Mental Health WA Consultant (Mary Bridge Childrens Hospital)
8. Governors Committee on Disability Issues and Employment 2019-2022 (appointed by former Gov. Jay Inslee)
9. National School Board Member 2022-2023 (School Board Partners)
10. Written and passed policies for ADA accommodations in public parks
11. Passed budget initiatives for Kent Schools to continue operating through budget cuts

Political

Endorsements

Dave Upthegrove – Public Lands Commissioner
Girmay Zahilay – King County Council member
Chris Reykdal – Washington State Superintendent of Education
Rep. My-Linh Thai – WA State Representative of 41st Legislative District
Jani Hitchen – Pierce County Council Member
DDI- Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion
11th LD- 11th Legislative District Democrats
KCYD- King County Young Democrats
Ryan McIrvin – Renton City Council
Donald Cook – Kent School Board Director
Joe Cimaomo – Covington City Council
Sun Burford- New Castle City Council
Sam Mendez – Chair of 33rd District Democrats
Dr. Laura Marie Rivera – Seattle School Board Candidate

Local and Personal

Endorsements

George McGuire – CEO/Founder Create Fitness Gym Kent
Anne Smith – Owner of Retro Emporium Kent
Raman Arora – Owner/CEO of Maggies on Meeker
Erin Chapman-Smith – Executive Director ROOTS young adult shelter
Ashley Mangum, MSW, LICSW – Director Kids Mental Health-WA Multicare
Claudia Miller – Amara Board Board Member
Mila Sandoval – Executive Director Global Visionaries

Goal 1: Improve local and Small Business Policies

Entrust your decision on a leader who has started, operated, and expanded a local small business. I strongly believe we need industry experienced people to prioritize the talents of our community because small businesses sustain and improve our local economies

Goal 2: health and public safety policies

I am committed to strengthening Kent’s health and safety systems by bringing a global public health perspective that supports emergency preparedness, law enforcement, mental health workers, and culturally responsive care. As a mental health professional and a college professor of human services/social science, I have first hand experience & education to direct the conversations in the right decisions

Goal 3: planning for the future of Kent

I will prioritize thoughtful, inclusive development that preserves what makes Kent unique while planning for sustainable housing, transportation, and infrastructure that meets the needs of future generations.

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