About me

I’ve spent more than 25 years in public service because I care deeply about helping communities thrive. I’ve had the chance to lead teams, build strong partnerships, and work on everything from emergency planning to strategic communications with the City of Snohomish, Snohomish County, and the University of Washington.

Over the years, I’ve been honored to support my community during some of its most challenging times — including the tragic SR 530 Oso landslide and the Marysville-Pilchuck High School shooting — where I worked alongside first responders, elected officials, and residents to ensure clear, compassionate communication and effective coordination. I’ve also led region-wide efforts in emergency management and public information, including COVID-19 response, emergency preparedness, and equity-focused recovery planning. These experiences have reinforced my commitment to transparent leadership, community resilience, and working together to solve hard problems.

My husband — a Cold War Navy veteran — and I have lived in Snohomish County for nearly 25 years. We raised our two kids in North Everett and have stayed active in community efforts we believe in. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me out hiking or catching a Silvertips or AquaSox game.

Bio

    • Director of Community Engagement & Strategic Initiatives · City of Snohomish · June 2022 - Present

    • Assistant Dean · University of Washington School of Nursing · March 2020 - May 2022

    • Director of Communications · Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office · May 2012 - May 2020

    • University of Washington · Various positions · July 1999 - May 2012

    • Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slireton/

    • Gonzaga University, MA, Organizational Leadership, 1996

    • University of Idaho, BS, Journalism, 1994

    • Serving as lead spokesperson with critical influence in the community and/or multiple agencies during high-profile incidents;

    • Building and managing relationships with local, national, and international media;

    • Responding to media inquiries with timely and accurate information;

    • Managing sensitive and significant situations with potential impact to the organization and/or the community;

    • Developing and implementing exercises and training scenarios;

    • Creating strategic messaging and preparing organization leaders for crisis communications, speaking engagements, and media appearances;

    • Partnering with other departments, agencies, key stakeholders, mutual aid organizations, and elected leaders to communicate effectively and efficiently;

    • Utilizing and managing social media accounts/channels for strategic and crisis communications, media/public relations, and marketing;

    • Delivering public information and warning messages using a strategic whole community approach.

    • Serving as lead brand ambassador to drive awareness of the organization’s role in and impact on the community;

    • Leading and executing the communications strategy for key audiences, including employees, media, the community, key stakeholders, and partners;

    • Developing and overseeing the implementation of marketing strategies by serving as the primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders;

    • Examining marketing campaign performance data to inform future strategies for recruitment, events, community engagement, and brand awareness.

    • Supervising team members, including managing, hiring, and training, setting clear expectations, and creating a positive, motivating environment;

    • Creating and managing a network of Public Information Officers and providing countywide networking and training opportunities.