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Seattle City (spot)Light: Patrick Sweeney, Employee Services Manager

The Basics

How long have you been at City Light? Just over eight years; started in December of 2013.

Division: Talent Acquisition & Workforce Development. I’ve been in People & Culture the entire time! I started in Talent Acquisition, moved to a division administrator role, and am now in Employee Services.

Tell us about your role: We handle all records, benefits, and payroll for the utility. My team is incredibly good at their jobs, and I do whatever I can to help them succeed. A big part of my job is to remove roadblocks. That can be anything from jumping in on sensitive issues and process planning to identify efficiencies to the overall handling of any needs that arise.

Background

Hometown: Poipu, Hawaii

Alma Mater: University of Idaho. Go Vandals!

Area of study: Doubled in marketing and economics

Tell us about your family: My pops is originally from Hawaii, but both my folks are very Irish. I have an older sister that is the opposite of me. She’s a glass artist and also works in agriculture. She’s great with her hands and vision, but I have basically no artistic skills!

Just for Fun

What do you like most about your role? I love my team. They are scientifically the best group at City Light, and I’m sure I can produce numbers to show for it. I also like to interact with all of our employees, not specifically one area. There are so many interesting, incredibly smart, and talented people to learn from. 

What’s the best piece of advice you have received? Say yes and figure it out afterward. 

What is something most people don’t know about you? I cry at everything – sad movies, sad commercials, exciting sports moments, happy reunions, it doesn’t matter. Heck, I’ve cried remembering things I’ve cried about, haha! I think I really get into things, so I like to feel the emotions of the moment.  

If you could only take three items with you to a deserted island, what would they be? Solar charger, iPod or phone with my music, a machete.  

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? I’d move back home to Hawaii potentially. I don’t plan to leave the Pacific Northwest ever, but each time I go home, I miss it more and more.