United Way of King County today named board of directors’ member Marianne Bichsel as the organization’s new board chair for fiscal year 2027, which began on July 1.

Bichsel is a partner at Engaged Public Affairs, a Seattle-based consulting firm that helps organizations navigate political environments, make sound decisions, and build coalitions to advance policy and bolster community impact. Bichsel previously served as the board’s vice chair and acting chair. She succeeds board member Lisa Chin as board chair.

The board announcement comes two weeks after Blair Hamilton Taylor began his tenure as United Way’s new president and CEO.

“Stepping into the role of board chair is both a privilege and a call to action,” said Bichsel. “United Way of King County is tackling some of the most urgent challenges facing our community, and we’re doing it with innovation, partnership, and accountability so more families can access the stability and opportunity they deserve. I’m honored to help guide this work under the leadership of our new President and CEO, Blair Taylor, and the support of our board of directors.”

United Way’s 19-member board also named its three new officers.

• Jonathan Burks, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, has been named vice chair. Burks is a partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Northwest Private Company Services practice.
• Cortnee Blayton, head of social media and influencers at Amazon, has been named board secretary. Cortnee created Amazon’s marketing plans and social media partnerships featuring Amazon Marketplace products.
• James Oliver, an audit partner at Deloitte, has been named board treasurer. An executive in the financial services industry, Oliver has served at Deloitte for more than 24 years.

A former United Way board chair, Taylor was named president and CEO in June and is the organization’s third president and CEO since 2000.

“My heartfelt congratulations go out to our new chair, Marianne Bichsel, and the entire new slate of UWKC officers,” said Taylor.  “They are an incredibly talented group, and it will be a pleasure and honor to work alongside them to address the issues that are critical to King County’s future.”

About United Way of King County

United Way of King County (UWKC) is a Seattle-based, 501(c)(3) organization that works with partners and communities to build an equitable future for all King County residents. Through our programming and advocacy, we invest in access to financial resources, quality education, enough to eat, and a safe place to call home—while working to transform inequitable systems. For more, visit www.uwkc.org.