Esther Handy (she/her) is a seasoned organizational leader, joining the Budget and Policy Center as interim executive director to steward the organization through leadership transition.

Esther grew up in Olympia in a public sector family, and has spent nearly half her career at the City of Seattle, first as legislative aide and chief of staff to Councilmember Mike O’Brien, working on first-in-the-nation policies like the $15 minimum wage, paid sick and safe leave, and our region’s first priority hire policy; and later as the central staff director at the City Council, managing the nonpartisan committee staff to provide rigorous, independent budget and an policy analysis to the Council.

She brings strong organizational development and fundraising experience from her time in the nonprofit sector, including experience as an interim executive director with Puget Sound Sage in 2020. She also brings a deep commitment to anti-racism, and building multicultural organizations where people can thrive.

Esther lives in Seattle and enjoys playing with her kids and neighbors in Seattle’s beautiful parks.