The Basics
Years of service: Three years with City Light and four years with the City Attorney’s Office
Division: Legal Affairs
Role: I lead our team of dedicated professionals in Legal Affairs. We collectively provide legal services to City Light covering a variety of areas. In addition, we administer the Public Records Act, serve as City Light’s representative to the Privacy Office, and hear administrative billing appeals.
Background
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Alma Mater: The Colorado College, Gund School of Law and Weatherhead School of Management both at Case Western Reserve University, and University of Washington School of Law
Discipline/Trade of study: Bachelor’s degree in history, Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Taxation
Tell us about your family: My parents, both recently deceased, grew up in Europe during World War II. My father lost his father and three siblings during the War. At age 16, he and his older brother fled their hometown of Belgrade, Yugoslavia. They put themselves through school by working as carpenters rebuilding after the War. My father graduated from medical school in Bern, Switzerland and obtained a scholarship to study at Ohio State where he completed his residency. In 1955, he became a U.S. citizen. A couple years later, my mother joined him, and they settled in a small town near Akron, Ohio. My father was the town doctor and my mother worked with him as a lab technician. I am the middle child of three boys. I moved from Cleveland to Seattle 33 years ago. I met my husband, Mitch Evans, at the neighborhood Starbucks where he worked as a barista. We have lived in the same house in Seward Park for the past 19 years. We were married 10 years ago after marriage laws changed. We recently added our labradoodle, Coconut, to our family.
Just for Fun
What is one of your biggest accomplishments? My first job as a deputy prosecuting attorney. It involved immense responsibility for a young law school graduate. I represented the Washington Department of Social and Health Services in court actions to protect children from neglect or abuse. I later managed a felony caseload from charging through jury trial. The experience was eye-opening.
What is your idea of a perfect day? I have a sculling shell and enjoy taking it out on Lake Washington. On a clear morning, Mount Rainier is spectacular.
If you could have any job for only one day what would it be? National Park Ranger. I moved to the Northwest to enjoy the outdoors. During my first few years here, I spent many weekends hiking in the Olympic National Park.
Least favorite food? Calamari. It’s a texture thing.