October 8, 2024

Skagit County Board of Commissioners

Negrila

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners appointed Monica Negrila as director of strategic initiatives. A new role within the Skagit County Commissioner's office, the director of strategic initiatives is responsible for shaping and executing the strategic direction and growth of Skagit County initiatives, starting with a focus on North Star. North Star is a public-private partnership between Skagit County, local cities, housing and healthcare providers, first responders, and other community leaders. Using a collaborative approach to pool resources, coordinate action, and streamline essential community services in housing and behavioral health, North Star is working to address chronic homelessness. Negrila brings extensive experience in behavioral health and human services, with a focus on strategic planning, program development, and community engagement in both the public and non-profit sectors. She joins Skagit County from the city of Issaquah, where she spent the last six years creating and implementing various programs to address systemic needs in human services, behavioral health, homelessness, equity and social justice. Among the initiatives she led were the creation of the city's Behavioral Health and Homeless Outreach Program, the Emergency Housing Program, and the development of the Equity Board. Before her role in Issaquah, Negrila served as the executive director of IKRON of Greater Seattle, an outpatient behavioral health organization in King County. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Bucharest, Romania, and a master's degree in mental health counseling from the University of Cincinnati. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Substance Use Disorder Professional.