Commissioner Biographies
Commissioner Biographies
Current members of the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission:
Jonathan Schirmer, Chair, is a construction lawyer with Ballard Spahr LLP in Seattle. He has extensive experience in federal contracting issues at the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and high-stakes bid protest actions at the Government Accountability Office and regularly advises bidders and public owners on procurement issues. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Seattle University, and also holds a degree in Political Science from Montana State University. Mr. Schirmer was appointed to the Commission by the City Council in 2024 and reappointed by the City Council to a second term expiring December 31, 2028.
Vivian Vassall, Vice-Chair, is an Assistant Attorney General for the Washington State Office of the Attorney General in the Licensing and Administrative Law Division. She previously worked for the Unemployment Law Project as an independent contractor with the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid. Ms. Vassall currently volunteers at the Loren Miller Bar Association. She is a graduate of University of Colorado Law School and has a BA in public affairs from Seattle University. Ms. Vassall was appointed by the Commission in March 2025 to a term ending December 31, 2027.
Bobby Forch is the president of Forch Consulting. He has over 20 years of experience increasing the participation of DBE, Small, Veteran, and Minority-owned business enterprises (DBE/MSVWBE) in the award and performance of state and local contracts. He is a veteran of both the City of Seattle and Washington State Departments of Transportation. Mr. Forch was appointed to the Commission by the City Council in 2024 to a term that expires December 31, 2026.
Anita Khandelwal was appointed to the Commission by the Mayor in 2026 for a term that expires December 31, 2026. Bio forthcoming.
Andrea Lino was appointed to the Commission by the Mayor in 2026 for a term that expires December 31, 2028. Bio forthcoming.
Evan Smith was appointed to the Commission by the City Council in 2026 for a term that expires December 31, 2027. Bio forthcoming.
Kai Smith is a litigation partner at Pacifica Law Group. He represents clients on a broad range of issues, focusing on public entity representation, constitutional law, public policy and political law, and complex commercial disputes. Clients trust Mr. Smith with their complex legal issues, and he regularly represents clients in high-profile matters. In addition to his litigation practice, he also provides general counsel and strategic advice to help clients address important and sensitive issues, particularly in the areas of municipal law, legislation, statutory and regulatory compliance, business strategy, and public records. Mr. Smith was appointed to the Commission by the Mayor in 2025 to a term that expires December 31, 2027.
Please note that a Commissioner whose term has expired can continue to serve until a new appointment is made by the appropriate authority and confirmed by the City Council.
For staff information, see Contact Us. Last updated April 23, 2026.