The Lynnwood City Council has unanimously confirmed Monisha Harrell as the city’s next Assistant City Administrator, following a nationwide search that drew more than 80 applications from 13 states before landing on a candidate who has called Lynnwood home for two decades.
Harrell brings an extensive background in public policy, nonprofit governance, and executive leadership to the role. She previously served as Director of the Office of Equity and Racial and Social Justice for King County and as Senior Deputy Mayor for the City of Seattle. She has also served as board chair of Equal Rights Washington and held national leadership roles focused on advancing LGBTQ equality. She holds an MBA from the University of Washington Foster School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in film studies from Columbia University. She begins her new role on Monday, 11 May.
Mayor George Hurst said the breadth of the search made the outcome all the more meaningful. “The final and best candidate, Monisha Harrell, who happens to be a 20-year resident with a Lynnwood address,” Hurst said. He highlighted a comment from the application process that captured what drew him to Harrell above the other finalists. “She favors principled approaches even when they are not the easiest political path. That is the type of person I want on my team.”
Harrell said she is entering the role with a clear sense of purpose. “I look forward to years of productive partnership rooted in our shared love for the City of Lynnwood and all the residents that call this city home,” she said. “Collectively, we share values of equity, belonging, and a commitment to supporting an affordable, livable, compassionate, and vibrant city.”
The appointment ends a four-month interim period during which Lynn Sordel served as Acting Assistant City Administrator. Mayor Hurst thanked Sordel for his leadership during the transition.
