Marilyn Strickland is the former mayor of Tacoma. She has a proven record of local and regional leadership, deep roots in the South Sound, and the ability to build broad-based coalitions that deliver results. She forged new ground in education, transportation, housing, job training and advocacy for small businesses. Under her leadership, Tacoma attracted over $1 billion worth of investment into housing, office, and retail space; boosted high school graduation rates from 55% to 89%; and will invest over $500 million in infrastructure.
"Strickland knew an educated and prosperous city only exists because someone cast a vision, and herein lies her greatest strength."
Born in Seoul, Marilyn comes from a military family and is the first Korean and African-American elected mayor of Tacoma. She attended Tacoma Public Schools, holds a BA in Sociology from the University of Washington and earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Clark-Atlanta University. She is the former CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce.
