King County Children and Youth Advisory Board

Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account (PSTAA) Advisory Subcommittee

This Subcommittee is composed of up to 15 members, with a majority (at least half plus one) serving as active CYAB members. At-large members are periodically recruited to ensure appropriate composition and fill any gaps in experience or representation as outlined by King County Council. At-large members are denoted below with an asterisk next to their name. (List last updated in January 2026)

Asma Ahmed

Asma is currently a Senior Planner with the City of Seattle's Human Services Department (HSD) Homelessness Division. In this role, she supports the planning, implementation, and evaluation of regional homelessness strategies. She has a background in human services and several years of experience working in the public sector, where she has focused on strengthening housing stability and preventing homelessness. She brings expertise in equity-centered grantmaking, program design, and community engagement, with a commitment to ensuring resources reach those most impacted by systemic inequities. Asma received her Master's of Public Administration from the UW Evans School and is passionate about advancing racial equity and creating opportunities for children, youth, and families to thrive. Through her work and service, she strives to support community-driven solutions that build stability and expand opportunity across King County.

Dr. Dwane Chappelle

Dr. Chappelle is Seattle’s first Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). Confirmed to this role by City Council in February 2016, Dr. Chappelle oversees the city’s efforts to partner with families and communities to achieve educational equity and build a better future for Seattle students through strategic investments in education. Dr. Chappelle graduated from Grambling State University and earned his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Gonzaga University.

Eric Buley

Eric is a nonprofit leader with more than 15 years of experience supporting children and youth. His career in King County spans early childhood, K–12, and higher education, as well as public health, affordable housing, and homelessness services. He is currently the Senior Director of Homeless Youth Services at Friends of Youth. Eric earned his Master of Public Administration and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the UW Evans School and is is now pursuing a doctorate in Education focused on Systems Leadership & Change. Committed to equity, systems change, and community well-being, Eric also enjoys playing in King County’s LGBTQIA+ soccer league and spending time in the mountains.

Jack Edgerton

Jack is proud to be a second-generation Seattleite. His professional background includes working in the technology sector, the arts, and services for children and families. For the past three decades he has focused on making a difference in the community by working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector. In additional to serving as the Board Chair for the national Circle of Parents network, he is currently Executive Director at KidVantage (formerly Eastside Baby Corner). Jack loves leading a team dedicated to ensuring all kids have the essentials to thrive.

Jackie Jainga Hyllseth

Jackie is the Executive Director of the Associated Recreation Council (ARC). which works in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation to provide childcare, healthy recreation programs, and activities to the residents of Seattle. In her previous position with School’s Out Washington, she led their statewide quality improvement system for the afterschool and youth development field. She also led the development of the Washington State Core Competencies for Child and Youth Development Professionals and the Washington State Quality Standards for Afterschool & Youth Development Programs. She has been part of many local, state, and national committees and convenings focused on system building, youth program quality, and racial equity. Jackie holds a BA in Foreign Language and Literature and a Secondary Teaching Certificate. She is Filipina and Tsimshian, Alaskan Native and a traditional Cedar and Ravenstail weaver.

James Lovell

James was born and raised in Seattle and now lives in SeaTac with his wife, kids, and extended family. James is white and Ojibwe (an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, ND). James has worked with young people and youth programs his whole life, including Huchoosedah, 7 years at VFA (now Kandelia), and 5 years at School’s Out Washington. James served as development director for Neighborhood House before his current role as Chief Community Development Officer at Chief Seattle Club. James is currently the Board President for RVC, a nonprofit capacity-building organization as well as Highline Native Families Advisory Committee. James' favorite project with young people was working to include youth & family voice in the creation of the educational model for Seattle World School.

Kristina Mendieta

Kristina’s public service career began with local political campaigns, where she first worked as a fundraising intern and later managed several statewide campaigns. Kristina has also served in several roles in state government, including as a legislative analyst for Attorney General Bob Ferguson and later as Executive Director for former Lieutenant Governor Cyrus Habib. Since then, she has transitioned to non-profit work. She currently serves as Director of Public Affairs for Kindering, a non-profit organization with the mission of serving children with diverse needs and their families.

Sophia Dang*

Sophia is a student at Seattle Central College and has her sights set on a business degree. She is a steadfast advocate for those who are less fortunate, with a strong commitment to promoting mental health awareness. She developed this passion during her time at Lindbergh High School who, recognizing the lack of psychiatric resources on campus, embarked on a mission to create them herself. Sophia co-founded and served proudly President of the school's Mental Health Club. As a college student, she continues to be inspired by community activism and is committed to making a positive impact.

Zainab Ghalib*

Zainab is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Washington majoring in Public Health. She works as a behavioral technician, supporting children with autism through personalized, evidence-based care. As a member of the Global Health Scholars program, she collaborates with fellow students to research and develop innovative solutions to international health challenges. Zainab also serves as President of the Arab Student Association, where she leads initiatives to connect diverse cultural groups and organizes events and seminars that support student success and foster a welcoming campus environment, especially for international students. She brings empathy, leadership, and a strong commitment to community into every role she takes on.