Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s office is undergoing another round of staff changes following the departure of her communications director, Seferiana Day. The move marks the latest shift within an administration that has seen several senior-level changes in recent months, alongside a broader internal reorganization aimed at reshaping how policy and operations are managed.
Departure
According to sources familiar with the situation, Day was asked to resign after declining an offer to move into a newly created role overseeing relations between the mayor’s office and the City Council. Day had been out of the office for nearly two months due to a medical issue and was on intermittent leave at the time of the request.
In an internal announcement shared during a staff meeting Thursday morning, Mayor Wilson described Day as “stepping back from her day-to-day duties as Communications Director to focus on her health.” The mayor’s office has not publicly acknowledged the request for resignation.
The office has not yet named a permanent replacement. Officials confirmed they are in discussions with a potential interim communications director, but no appointment has been finalized.
Background
Day was absent during several high-profile moments for the administration, including public criticism over the mayor’s comments about the possibility of wealthy residents leaving Seattle in response to a proposed millionaire’s income tax.
Before joining Wilson’s office, Day served as a longtime spokesperson for the city’s Office of Planning and Community Development. Earlier in her career, she worked as a communications consultant and co-founded Upper Left Strategies, a political and campaign consulting firm.
Sources within City Hall say some members of the mayor’s inner circle were frustrated by what they viewed as limited positive media coverage of key initiatives, including the announcement that the city would help fund construction of the long-delayed Graham Street light rail station.
Internal Concerns
At the same time, staff members have raised concerns about what they describe as a lack of clear policy direction from the mayor on issues such as gun violence, public safety, and tenants’ rights. Tensions reportedly increased when the mayor considered rolling back certain renter protections, including a provision of the just cause eviction ordinance that allows tenants to add roommates.
Some staff have also questioned hiring decisions, arguing that certain appointees are misaligned with the political platform that helped Wilson win election or lack subject-matter expertise in their assigned areas.
Reorganization
In response, Wilson announced an internal restructuring that will reassign several staff members into newly defined “subject-matter director” roles.
Under the changes, Mark Ellerbrook, currently deputy director of city operations, will oversee human services and homelessness. Nicole Vallestero Soper, director of policy and innovation, will take on the role of director of affordability, housing, and economic development. Hannah McIntosh, previously one of several executive operations managers, will oversee mobility, livability, and city infrastructure. Alison Holcomb, the mayor’s chief advisor on public safety, will become director of public safety.
Sejal Parikh, formerly deputy director of policy and innovation and a longtime staffer for City and County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, will move into a new role as deputy chief of staff for strategy and AI.
Ongoing Changes
The communications team has reportedly reacted with concern to Day’s departure. Sources indicate the current reshuffling may not be the last. The mayor’s office is said to be working on a broader reorganization that could result in additional staff departures.
The latest changes follow earlier exits, including Jon Grant, the mayor’s chief homelessness and housing advisor, who left after being asked to resign. Former chief of staff Kate Kreuzer, a longtime associate of the mayor, was reassigned to a newly created special projects role.
The mayor’s office has been asked for further details about the reorganization and has not yet provided additional comment.
FAQs
Who is leaving Mayor Wilson’s office?
Communications Director Seferiana Day is departing.
Why did Seferiana Day leave?
She declined a new role and was asked to resign.
Has a replacement been named?
No permanent replacement has been announced yet.
What changes are happening inside the office?
Staff are being reassigned into subject-matter director roles.
Are more staff changes expected?
Yes, additional reorganization is under consideration.
