Seattle, WA – In a press announcement on Friday, January 9, 2026, Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced Alicia Teel as Interim Director for the Office of Economic Development.
“I’m honored to serve in this interim capacity to lead the Office of Economic Development. Our talented team is dedicated to leading projects and making investments that open up access to economic opportunities across our city, reduce the racial wealth gap, and encourage innovation and growth,” Alicia said. “We are deeply committed to a collaborative approach to this work and share Mayor Wilson’s sense of urgency to deliver meaningful, sustained progress.”
Alicia has served as deputy director at the Office of Economic Development since June 2023. During her tenure, she has led the department’s approach to external affairs, managed relations with the Mayor’s Office and Council, and worked on major initiatives such as the Downtown Activation Plan. She brings a deep understanding of Seattle’s economic ecosystem to her role as acting director, as well as experience working across the public, private, and non-profit sectors to advance shared goals.
Prior to joining the City, Alicia worked at the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for 15 years in various public affairs, communications, and leadership roles, ultimately serving as the organization’s senior vice president of the executive department. Throughout her time at the Chamber, she worked in coalition with business, labor, environmental groups, and local government to shape and drive major initiatives, particularly in transportation.
“I am excited to support Alicia Teel as Acting Director of the Office of Economic Development. Her leadership will help ensure continuity and stability while reinforcing our shared commitment to the economic pillars that matter most to Seattle’s future, said Erin Goodman, Executive Director, SODO BIA. “Together, we can continue prioritizing healthy, vibrant, and resilient neighborhood business districts as essential drivers of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity across the city. I look forward to continued collaboration between SODO BIA and OED with Alicia providing steady leadership during this transition.”
“Alicia genuinely cares about local businesses and understands the many ways that they are both core to Seattle’s economic development and an essential part of the social fabric of our communities. Over the many years that we have worked together, Alicia has always led with thoughtfulness, creativity, and a deep appreciation for diverse small businesses,” said Laura Clise, Founder and CEO of Intentionalist. “The Office of Economic Development is an important small business resource and partner for Intentionalist. I look forward to continued collaboration with Alicia and her team that meets the urgency of the challenges faced by so many of the brick-and-mortar small businesses we love.”
“Generating jobs and attracting strategic investments into our greater Seattle region and state have always been our highest priority. The City’s Office of Economic Development has been a true partner in making that vision real: helping us welcome domestic and international companies, developing a talented workforce, and powering growth across the region,” said A Boungjaktha, Managing Director, Economic Development, Port of Seattle. “Together, we’re leaning into innovation, building a blue-green economy, amplifying opportunities for WMBE and small businesses, and preparing for global opportunities like the World Cup. These collaborations amplify our strengths and ensure that our working waterfront continues to deliver economic impact for generations to come.”
Born in Japan and raised in Seattle and on the Eastside, Alicia is a nearly lifelong local. She attended the University of Washington, where she earned her undergraduate degrees in biology and political science and her master’s in public administration. When not at work, Alicia enjoys attending Mariners games, running, and exploring the city with her family.
Please send questions about OED to Eric Moss, Communications Director for the Office of Economic Development at eric.moss@seattle.gov.