About Us

Alex brings more than nine years of experience as a non-profit leader, having previously served as the Executive Director at Transportation Choices Coalition and the First Hill Improvement Association. A widely respected civic leader, Alex also serves on the boards of Bellwether Housing and the Freeway Park Association. She was named by Seattle Magazine as one of Seattle’s most influential people in 2015 and was a candidate for Seattle City Council in 2023.

“I am so excited to join Commute Seattle at this important moment. This year Seattle will begin an expanded age of public transit – with new services linking our region like never before, and Commute Seattle has a vital role to play in connecting Seattle’s residents and workers to our region’s new transportation opportunities. As a car-free Seattleite and the parent of a teenager, I understand the importance of sustainable, affordable connections to jobs, schools, healthcare, entertainment and everywhere in-between. I look forward to getting to know the team at Commute Seattle, and collaborating closely with our public-agency and private-sector partners as we work towards our shared goals.”

Zarina joins the Commute Seattle team as a Program Manager to work with property managers and large buildings on their sustainable commute programs. She began working in transportation through the world of car-sharing in 2014. Zarina oversaw outreach to local businesses and fostered partnerships to launch innovative mobility programs throughout Seattle. Zarina is from the Bay Area originally and earned her BS in Business Management from San Jose State University. She found her passion in helping people access transportation resources as she witnessed the growing congestion in Silicon Valley and Seattle. Reach out to Zarina to get to know her!

As an avid cyclist and transit user, Tara is excited to be part of the Commute Seattle team and help small-mid size businesses implement ORCA benefits for their employees. Tara holds a BA in Art History from the University of Washington and has worked in a number of arts, cultural, and conservation nonprofits. Hailing from a small town on the Olympic Peninsula, Tara continues to be delighted by all she can access by walking, cycling, and bussing across the city. Tara is passionate about making Seattle’s mobility options equitable, sustainable, safe, and joyful.

Kurt is passionate about public transportation, walking or biking anywhere he can, and educating others. He is dedicated to environmental health and sees efficient public transportation and active commuter infrastructure as keys to creating more equitable mobility while simultaneously decreasing environmental impact. Growing up in Southern California and Portland, Oregon, Kurt graduated with a BS in Geology from Oregon State University in 2013.Prior to Commute Seattle, he worked as an educational assistant at a Portland-area middle school and has most recently spent 5 years in account management, supply chain operations, and analyst roles in Seattle. Kurt commutes by bus or bike.

Vivian Richard (she/her) is delighted to join the Commute Seattle team as the Administrative Specialist. She comes to us with political campaign experience and an extensive background in administration for an environmental advocacy nonprofit. Throughout her career, she has developed a deep passion for engaging with the public to drive positive change. Originally from Rhode Island, Vivian relocated to Washington just over a year ago and has quickly become enamored with all the city offers. When she’s not at work, she is busy writing her fantasy novel, creating music, and producing a storytelling podcast.

David joins the Commute Seattle team as the Education & Events Specialist, eager to create innovative, informative, and inclusive events to further CS’s mission. David received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Performance and served as Principal Oboe of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra for seven years. Beyond his onstage experience, he led the TSO wind quintet by writing and producing their education concerts, which they performed at around 40 schools annually. After shifting careers and moving to Seattle, David became Communications Manager at Basel Action Network, an environmental watchdog group, writing newsletters focused on the international plastic waste trade and electronics recycling. Passionate about sustainability and community-building, David sees this role as an opportunity to promote equitable and accessible transit for everyone in Seattle.

Jace Van Kleeck (they/he) is excited to join the Commute Seattle team as the Senior Transportation Specialist and work with employers and property managers on their commute programs. They have a background in office management, education, and customer service, and earned a B.A. in Psychology from WWU. They have also previously served as an Employee Transportation Coordinator. Having been born and raised in Seattle, Jace grew up on our transit and is thrilled to now be making a difference with Commute Seattle. In his spare time they love LEGO, flexing their professional baking skills, and going on adventures with his dogs Margo and Mutton.

Elizabeth Baer (she/her) is thrilled to be the Transportation Specialist at Commute Seattle! Elizabeth is passionate about how transportation can support both environmental health and human rights simultaneously and is excited to be working to develop creative and sustainable transportation solutions. Elizabeth has a B.S. in Environmental Science from Trinity College and worked in climate action education and policy prior to joining Commute Seattle. Born and raised in Seattle, Elizabeth loves contributing to the community she grew up in and exploring the natural beauty of the Puget Sound Region. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to run, ski, hike, bike, and paddleboard!