- Term Began: November 24, 2010
- Term Expires: December 31, 2013
Elected by Federal Way's voters every four years, the mayor serves as the city's chief executive officer and manages all the city departments and over 300 city employees in accordance with the policies and direction of the
City Council. The mayor also directs city efforts for economic development, intergovernmental relations, media and community relations. The mayor's office provides the City Council and management with a complete financial plan for all city funds and activities through the preparation and administration of the biennial budget and capital improvement plan.
Meet Mayor Priest
In November 2010, Federal Way voters chose Skip Priest as the city’s first elected mayor. Previously, Skip served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 2003 until 2010, where he served on the Ways and Means Committee, the Education Committee and the Boeing Task Force. Skip served on the Federal Way City Council from 1992 through 1997 and served as appointed mayor (under the former council-manager form of government) in 1996 and 1997.
Skip believes that a strong economy, safe streets and neighborhoods, excellent schools, a healthy environment and vibrant parks are essential to Federal Way’s quality of life. He has been proud to serve on many local organizations working on these issues, including the South King County Multi-Service Center, Advancing Leadership, Friends of the Hylebos and the Federal Way Kiwanis, among others. Skip is married to Trisha Bennett. They have two children, Zachary and Amanda, who are graduates of Federal Way Public Schools.