Snohomish County Appoints Gricelda Montes As Public Advocate

Gricelda Montes has been working in the office of the Public Advocate for nearly 5 years. Photo Credit: Snohomish County Council

Snohomish County has a new Public Advocate as Jill McKinnie heads into retirement. On Wednesday November 2nd, the Snohomish County Council interviewed candidates and deliberated before making a final vote to appoint Gricelda Montes.

“The county is lucky to have had two outstanding and well-qualified candidates to choose from for this critical position,” said Council Chair Megan Dunn. “Gricelda’s background and experience will serve her well in this role as she will approach relationships with authenticity and a genuine heart to build relationships. I extend a very warm welcome to Gricelda as she takes on this new role as the County Public Advocate.”

“We could not have found a better person to fill the shoes of Jill McKinnie. Gricelda has been serving Snohomish County for years and we are lucky to have her as our new Public Advocate,” added Council Vice-Chair Jared Mead.

“It is an honor to have been selected to be the Snohomish County Public Advocate. I look forward to welcoming all residents of Snohomish County to the Office of the Public Advocate and assisting them in navigating county government. It is my passion to empower and assist others and I look forward to continuing to do so in my new role,” said Gricelda Montes.

Gricelda is uniquely qualified for her new role, having served as the Administrative Specialist in the Office of the Public Advocate for the past almost 5 years. During that time, she was acting assistant Public Advocate for Snohomish County, providing responses to questions, complaints, and concerns from residents, and conducting investigations for community members’ complaints. With her past experience and willingness to adapt to a new role, Public Advocate Montes is ready to hit the ground running.

“I’m thankful that we had two excellent candidates nominated for this vital county position,” said Councilmember Sam Low. “I am thrilled to have Gricelda serve as our new Public Advocate and the county is fortunate to have someone with her unique experience taking on this role. I am confident the office will continue to be successful and helpful to our residents.”

“I am excited to see Gricelda Montes step into this new role,” added Councilmember Nate Nehring. “The Public Advocate is a crucial position in County government that serves as an unbiased liaison for the public. Gricelda has the necessary discretion, temperament, and experience to serve in this position well.”

The Office of the Public Advocate assists in finding resolutions to public complaints and concerns involving Snohomish County government. This office is an independent entity and serves as an impartial intermediary between the resident and general Snohomish County government.

“The people of Snohomish County are fortunate to have such a compassionate, dedicated, and talented person to be their public advocate,” said Councilmember Strom Peterson.

The candidates for this position were nominations made by County Executive Dave Somers. The Public Advocate serves a one-year term following the original date of appointment and thereafter two-year terms for each reappointment by the County Council.

“There are few positions in county government as important as the Public Advocate. We have been blessed to have a fantastic Public Advocate in Jill McKinnie, and I have every confidence Gricelda Montes will be another tremendous asset for our residents,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “When people don’t get the service they deserve or can’t find what they need, Public Advocate Montes will be there to offer a helping hand. I appreciate Gricelda Montes’ choice to serve in this way and thank the Snohomish County Council for their thoughtful deliberations.”

For more information on the Office of the Public Advocate visit How It Works | Snohomish County, WA – Official Website (snohomishcountywa.gov).