Dave Somers | Executive, Snohomish County

Dave Somers took office as the Fifth Snohomish County Executive on January 4, 2016. 
Having previously served for 14 years on the Snohomish County Council, Dave has a passion for the collaboration that is necessary for our county and region to succeed.

Dave manages the 14 diverse departments that comprise the Snohomish County government, including Public Works, Paine Field Airport, Emergency Management, Human Services, Medical Examiner, Parks, and Planning and Development Services. County government touches every family in Snohomish County, whether getting a permit, engaging with the criminal justice system, or enjoying the Evergreen State Fair.

Dave is focused on creating regional partnerships to benefit the residents of Snohomish County, improving customer service, and ensuring that the finances of the county are sustainable. He is committed to improving the delivery of services to the homeless and ensuring everything possible is being done to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.

Dave is Vice President of the Puget Sound Regional Council and serves on the Sound Transit Board. Dave is a strong proponent for mass transit in general and light rail in particular, looking forward to the day when it reaches Everett and Paine Field.

Dave is a proud graduate of the University of Washington where he earned a master’s degree in forest ecology and a bachelors in fisheries science. More important, though, Dave met his wife of 35 years, Elaine, while in the Husky marching band. Dave played the tuba and Elaine played the piccolo. They both performed in the 1978 Rose Bowl. Dave also served as Drum Major of the band for three years. Dave and Elaine live outside Monroe with their three dogs and two horses.