Kathleen Gantz
Kathleen Gantz is a seasoned parks and recreation professional specializing in contract management, community engagement, and public sector development in the Greater Seattle area. She currently serves as Manager of the Contract Administration & Support Office at Seattle Parks and Recreation, where she oversees complex contracts and partnerships that align with the department’s mission and deliver meaningful benefits to the community. Her leadership and impact were recognized with the Seattle Management Association’s City Government Service Award for excellence in city government service.
With more than 15 years of experience across municipal government, education, and nonprofit sectors, Kathleen brings a deep understanding of public administration, grants and contracts management, and cross-sector collaboration. Prior to her current role, she held key positions with the City of Seattle, Tukwila School District, Cocoon House, and the YMCA of Greater Seattle. Her work has included managing federal and state funding, leading family and community engagement initiatives, supervising diverse teams, and building partnerships across culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
Kathleen’s career has been defined by a commitment to equity, accountability, and community-centered service. She has led large-scale programs, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and supported initiatives that create safe, inclusive, and vibrant spaces for youth, families, and residents. Grounded in her background in human services, she continues to focus on strengthening systems, fostering collaboration, and ensuring public resources are managed responsibly to support thriving communities.
• Western Washington University Western Washington University Bachelor’s Degree
• Human Services
• Seattle Management Association Award
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support of strong mentors and supervisors who invested in my growth. Influential leaders such as Nina Williams, Melody Mathis, and Lakeema Bell have shaped my development through their leadership, mentorship, and encouragement. Their example and belief in me have been instrumental in helping me grow professionally and confidently.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this field to stay persistent and focused on the impact they want to make, even when the system feels challenging or hierarchical. Surround yourself with colleagues and mentors who support your growth, advocate for you, and align with your values. Most importantly, believe in your voice and your ability to create meaningful change within your community.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are equity, accessibility, and service. My work has always centered on supporting youth, families, and communities—from leading programs that helped dozens of students navigate school transitions, to my current role in city government where I focus on making contracts clear, transparent, and written in plain language so they are accessible to everyone. Integrity, compassion, and creating systems that genuinely serve people—especially those who are most vulnerable—guide both my professional and personal life.