Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke announced March 16 that Lorraine Patterson has accepted an offer to become the city’s new employee services director.
She replaces Sue Viseth, who retired in January after nearly 28 years. Patterson assumes her new role April 5.
Under the direction of the Mayor, and as a member of the senior management team, Patterson will be responsible for providing executive leadership and direction for all human resources activities including recruitment, benefits, compensation analysis, labor negotiations, training and risk management.
“Lorraine brings tremendous experience, knowledge and a spirit of innovation to the city,” Cooke said. “She implemented the first Lean performance improvement project for King County that engaged employees and challenged procedures that inhibited efficiency. We are very fortunate to have a professional with Lorraine’s qualifications join our team.”
Patterson brings over 13 years of senior and executive level management experience in the field of human resources and labor relations to Kent. Patterson previously served as the Director of Records and Licensing for King County’s Department of Executive Services.
Prior to this, she served as Assistant Director of the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks. She was also human resources service delivery manager for King County’s Department of Transportation.
A Kent resident, Patterson earned her Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School, Stanford, California. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. Patterson is a certified senior professional in human resources and is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
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