ABOUT

Russell Joe - A History of Community Service

I will be ready to serve on day one because . . . ​

• I have sixteen years of experience as a non-profit board volunteer and executive staff member. I currently have the pleasure of serving on the Board of Directors for The Garage, a Teen Café; the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC); and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce’s Non-Profit Leader Development Committee.  My volunteer work aligns with my interest in developing young leaders, and future leaders in the non-profit sector.  In addition, my work in economic development through the EASC and Bellevue Chamber focuses on helping Issaquah recover after COVID-19 and grow in the future.  Past non-profit work spanning eighteen years includes ten years on the Board for the Chinese Information and Service Center, one Fall Giving Campaign with United Way of King County as a Loaned Executive, and serving as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington. ​
• I am a proven private sector leader with experience in the area of government affairs and municipal relations in King and Snohomish counties. In my current position with Republic Services, I have the opportunity to work on many issues with elected officials from Bellevue, Sammamish and North Bend, especially on issues related to recycling and sustainability.  In addition, our conversations often address other topics ranging from public safety to transportation.  I will bring this wide knowledge of local government affairs, coupled with the long term relationships with leaders in our neighboring communities, to help address critical issues impacting Issaquah. 

Russell Joe

• I am a former prosecutor, Pro Tem Judge and local attorney.  I bring a balanced and rational approach to decision-making in this non-partisan position. Serving over 12 years as a municipal prosecutor, I followed this experience by serving as a Pro Tem Judge for the Issaquah Municipal Court.  With legal training and experience as a judge, I am able to carefully listen to all of the information and review all of the material before making a rational and balanced decision based on facts.  This experience helps me remain a strong independent voice on the issues.​
  
• Finally, I am a seasoned former member of the city council with over nine years of city government experience. After serving on the Issaquah Planning Policy Commission, I had the honor of being elected as a member of the Issaquah city Council for eight years.  During those two terms in office, I studied, analyzed, and helped guide the policy and vision for our city.  I would like to bring this history, experience and knowledge back to the council.  I understand there will be much to learn, but with this solid base of knowledge.