June 5th - 6:00pm

2019 Freshman

Legislators of

Pierce County

You're invited to join City Club of Tacoma as we learn and discuss with 2019 freshman legislators of Pierce County about what it's like to be a new legislator, their experience and the bills that mattered most to them and their constituents.

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Panalists

Chris Gildon

25th Legislative District

In 2019, Chris was sworn in as state representative of the 25th Legislative District, which includes Puyallup, South Hill, Midland, Fife and part of Parkland.

Chris received his bachelor's in political science from the University of Texas. He also holds two master's degrees in public administration and strategic security studies.

Chris has proven leadership experience. A 23-year veteran Army Officer, Chris has served in five overseas deployments, leading thousands of soldiers and civilians. He also led a sexual assault response program in Pierce County, helping connect survivors to treatment.

After retiring from the military, he began a new career in commercial real estate.

Chris lives in Puyallup with his wife, Autumn. They have two children.

Mari Leavitt

28th Legislative District

Mari Leavitt is a longtime education leader, PTSA mom, and local small business owner who has dedicated her life to families, community, and opportunity.

At Pierce College, Tacoma Community College, Evergreen State College, and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges, Mari has helped local students

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.