Gov. Jay Inslee named Laura Blackmore the new executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. She will replace Sheida Sahandy who is leaving the position.
The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency that leads the region's collective effort to restore and protect Puget Sound. The Partnership works with hundreds of state, local and tribal partners.
Blackmore is currently deputy director and tribal liaison at the Puget Sound Partnership. She has been with the agency since 2015, serving in different roles that include director of partner engagement and boards program director.
Before joining the Partnership, she worked for Cascadia Consulting Group, Inc. and her own consulting firm for five years. Blackmore also worked as a water quality planner for King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.
“Laura’s extensive experience with the Puget Sound Partnership, her longtime work with tribal governments, and her work on salmon recovery and water quality will position her well to lead the agency," Inslee said. "I know that Laura will build on the great work that Sheida and the staff have done to implement the Partnership's mission. The agency is crucial to maintaining the health of one of Washington’s crown jewels.
“Laura is deeply committed to protecting Puget Sound for generations to come. I thank Sheida for her tremendous work and I know she will be successful in whatever endeavors she takes on next.”
Blackmore has a master’s in environmental management from Duke University and a bachelor’s in geology from Williams College.
Her appointment starts May 4.
