A commitment to public service and community

Pettigrew served as deputy chief of staff for public safety to former Seattle Mayor Norman Rice and also worked as a recruiter to increase diversity in the University of Washington School of Social Work. Additionally, he served as the former director of the Minority Youth Health Project, which worked to reduce teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates in Seattle.

In 2002 Pettigrew was elected to the Washington House of Representatives and served in the 37^th District for 18 years, working to promote economic development, create new affordable housing opportunities and expand educational opportunities for children. In 2010, he was chosen by his peers to serve as House Democratic Caucus chair, making him the highest-ranking African American in the Legislature at the time.

Pettigrew studied sociology and counseling psychology at Oregon State University on a football scholarship. After graduation from OSU in 1982, Pettigrew moved to Seattle to study social work at the University of Washington, where he received his master’s degree two years later.

Currently a private consultant, Pettigrew most recently served as the vice president of government relations and outreach for the National Hockey League’s Seattle Kraken. He previously worked for Gallagher Consulting and Regence BlueShield of Washington.

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Pettigrew has remained actively involved in community service for many years. He has served as past president of the Rainier Valley Chamber of Commerce and on the boards of the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club and the ACT Theatre. Additionally, Pettigrew has been a Little League baseball and basketball coach.

Pettigrew, an adoptive father himself, lives in Renton with his wife, Nicole, and has three adult children.