Burien Community Development Director Liz Stead will leave her city role to lead King County’s Permitting Division later this month, overseeing permitting activity serving approximately 250,000 residents and businesses in unincorporated areas, the county announced.
Stead has led Burien’s Community Development Department since April, 2024.
King County Department of Local Services Director Leon Richardson selected her following an extensive search.
“There is an opportunity to build upon the groundwork that already exists while looking for improvements for our customers,” Stead said in the announcement. “Being invited to be a part of the King County organization is an honor, and I look forward to serving in this capacity.”
In Burien, Stead oversaw current and long-range planning, building permitting, administration of the State Environmental Policy Act, code enforcement, budget development and process improvement, according to the county.
Richardson said her experience in local government and the private sector would benefit the division, citing her background in permitting, planning, land use and code enforcement.
Before joining Burien, Stead spent 16 years with Bellevue, serving first as urban design planning manager and then as land use director. She holds master’s degrees in architecture and public administration.
Mark Rowe, who has served as interim permitting director since the beginning of the year, will return to his position as permitting deputy director.
“Mark stepped into this critical leadership position at an important time for the division, providing stability, thoughtful leadership, and a continued focus on supporting our employees and the communities we serve,” Richardson said.
