with college readiness, access to higher education, and college and career success.

As the Deputy Director of Pierce County Human Services, Mari helped administer the County’s community-based programs from affordable housing and homelessness, youth violence prevention, early learning, behavioral health, and job training.

Mari, who grew up in a military family and was raised on bases, was also able to work on veteran issues at Pierce County Human Services. That work included health care, housing assistance, substance use disorder services, and support for veterans in need, as well as seniors, children, and adults with disabilities.

In addition to her professional commitment to education and opportunity, Mari has also been a dedicated community leader, PTSA board member in UPSD district and schools, a Trustee of the Accountable Community of Health, Chair of the Pierce County Ethics Commission, serving as a member of the University Place Career and Technical Education Advisory Board, President of the Council of Unions and Student Programs and on the executive board for the state InterCollege Relations Committee.

Mari and her husband have several children, and own an orthodontics practice in Lakewood and Yelm.