Leah Saiz
Leah Saiz brings over three decades of experience in information technology and application management, building a career defined by leadership, innovation, and service to large-scale public systems. She currently serves as the IT Permitting Applications Manager and Accela Enterprise Manager for the City of Seattle, overseeing one of the largest IT teams in the department. In these roles, she manages a team of 24 professionals, ensuring inspection compliance, licensing, and partnerships with King County operate seamlessly. Her work supports a client base of 246,000 registered public users and 847 internal staff who rely on the city’s IT platform daily, making her role critical to both operational efficiency and public service.
Prior to these roles, Leah directed enterprise IT applications, leading cross-functional teams to implement system enhancements and ensure regulatory compliance. She also served as IT Application Development Manager in New Mexico state agencies, where she oversaw software development projects, managed web application production support, and implemented process improvements across multiple departments. Her experience spans web services, mobile application development, and instructional technology, providing a strong foundation in both technical expertise and organizational leadership.
Earlier in her career, Leah contributed as an Instructional Technologist and Adjunct Faculty/Lecturer at New Mexico Highlands University, where she trained faculty on online course development, developed digital learning materials, and supported the adoption of educational technology. This early experience in instructional design and training laid the groundwork for her ability to manage large teams, communicate effectively across departments, and mentor staff in complex technical environments.
Leah earned her Master’s degree in Media Arts and Computer Science from New Mexico Highlands University and pursued a PhD in Instructional Technology at New Mexico State University. Throughout her career, she has combined technical expertise with strategic leadership, consistently fostering innovation, collaboration, and agile approaches to IT management in public sector organizations. Her dedication to professional growth, mentorship, and operational excellence has made her a respected leader in the field.
• Dealing with Microaggression as an Employee - 2021
• New Mexico Highlands University - BS
• New Mexico Highlands University - MA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the trust I’ve earned and the relationships I’ve built throughout my career. For me, those connections have always been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was simple but powerful: sleep on it. Taking a step back before making big decisions has saved me from mistakes and allowed me to lead with clarity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering the industry, I always say—you can do anything you put your mind to. As a single mother, I know firsthand that hard work pays off, and I want them to see the same possibilities for themselves.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in this field is managing software teams. It’s not always easy, but it’s taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of leading with understanding.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are deeply rooted in faith and family. My kids and grandkids mean everything to me, and I’m especially excited to welcome a new grandbaby this December. I also cherish the cabin I recently purchased in New Mexico, which represents the next chapter as I look forward to retiring there one day. Above all, I value supporting my team and ensuring they always have what they need to be successful.