We are excited to announce that David Reedy (he/him) is joining the Puget Sound Climate Preparedness Collaborative team as the new Collaborative Project Manager! More on David’s journey in the environmental and climate fields, his interest in climate preparedness and joining the Collaborative team, and other fun facts are shared below. 

Introducing David Reedy 

Please provide an introduction and overview of your past work. 

I am thrilled to be joining King County as the Puget Sound Climate Preparedness Collaborative Project Manager. My work in the environmental and climate worlds began by meandering through Solar Photovoltaic incentive programs in Massachusetts, land conservation in New England, and capacity building for environmental education in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I made the Pacific Northwest and the Puget Sound region my home when I moved to Seattle to pursue a Masters of Public Administration with an Environmental Policy focus at the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy. Since moving to Washington, I have worked with multiple nonprofits and public agencies, most recently serving as the Sustainability Coordinator with the City of Issaquah, supporting climate action plan implementation. While working with the City of Issaquah, I furthered climate preparedness work through the development of the Issaquah Resilience Hub Network, led climate resilience focused capital projects, and supported Citywide plan updates and policy development. 

What brings you to the Collaborative? What motivates you to engage in climate preparedness work? 

As the impacts of climate change continue and accelerate, it is increasingly important to support our region to build and maintain vibrant, healthy, and thriving communities. Working in the environmental and climate space, I have seen firsthand how climate preparedness can help our communities be more secure and connected.  

At the City of Issaquah, I sought out opportunities to apply a climate preparedness lens to our work, building connections with Emergency Management, implementing climate preparedness programming, and incorporating climate preparedness into citywide plans. I joined the Collaborative in my first year at Issaquah, eventually joining the Steering Committee in 2024. I am excited to take this next step as the Collaborative’s project manager, working to build connections and enhance climate preparedness across the Puget Sound. 

What are you looking forward to most about working with the Collaborative? 

I am excited to work with the Collaborative as we seek to scale climate preparedness solutions for our region. The Collaborative offers the opportunity to support work regionally by convening partners, building a shared understanding of climate impacts and adaptation approaches, and strengthening crucial connections between communities and individuals working on climate preparedness. The Collaborative also offers the opportunity to bring regional ideas and expertise to the local level via focused support for individual communities. In this way, I am excited to enhance our regional connections while leveraging those same skills and knowledge to meet the unique needs of communities across the Puget Sound. 

Get to Know David 

What is a hobby or skill that you want to be good at but not currently are? 

I am currently learning how to play the piano. Other than learning to play the recorder in 4th grade, two guitar lessons in middle school, and a few ukulele chords, I never previously learned an instrument or how to read music. Starting a musical hobby as an adult is certainly intimidating, but I am trying my best to take it one step at a time and focus on the joy of playing music. I am definitely a slow learner as music has never come easily to me, but I am still sticking with it and I am excited to keep building the skill! 

What was the last best book you’ve read? 

One of the most recent books I have loved was Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar. I found the story compelling, the characters rich, and the ideas provoking. I read this book for a book club and it created some interesting conversations about how you portray your life, what gives your life meaning, and the intricate relationships between people. 

What is your favorite native PNW animal or plant? 

I often find that my favorite native PNW animal or plant shifts regularly! At the moment, my favorite plant is the Scarlett Paintbrush and my favorite animal is a marmot. I find myself particularly drawn to the alpine plants and animals that I see when I am out for a hike or spending a night in the backcountry. There is almost nothing better than listening to the clear whistle of a marmot while taking a break in an alpine meadow! 

If you could live in the world of a TV series, movie, or book, which one would you choose? 

For a long time, I have always thought that it would be fun to be a Hobbit in the Lord of the Rings. There is something appealing about the rolling hills of the Shire and a relaxed life where I am content to live among friendly families and communities. They seem to grow great food, throw raucous parties, and emphasize a connection with nature. I could easily see myself lazily napping by a stream, waiting for my second breakfast before finding a cozy home to read in. Depending on the opportunity, I might let myself get involved in some adventures beyond the Shire, but nothing too major!