Several Bellevue figures were recently appointed to the advisory board to help implement Best Starts for Kids, King County Executive Dow Constantine’s initiative to increase the number of children and youth who reach adulthood healthy and able to achieve their full potential.

The Bellevue School District’s Shomari Jones, Eastside Pathway Founder Janet Levenger, Bellevue Parks and Community Services’ Terry Smith and Kindering’s Early Learning Manager Enrica Hampton will join 31 other leaders on the board.

“I’m grateful to have a talented, respected and diverse group of experts and community leaders helping guide our initiative to transform the way we invest in our children’s future,” said Executive Constantine. “Together, we will deliver outcomes that put more children and youth in our region on a path toward lifelong success.”

Members of the Children and Youth Advisory Board reflect the cultural and geographic diversity of the county and have demonstrated a commitment to children and youth. They include content experts, community leaders, educators, researchers and representatives of service providers and nonprofit organizations. Members must be confirmed by the Metropolitan King County Council.

The Board will advise the County on implementation and oversight of the children and youth programs to be funded by the six-year levy approved by voters last month. Board members will ensure that levy funds deliver the prevention and early intervention strategies needed to improve health and well-being outcomes in King County.

They will also ensure that Best Starts for Kids aligns with existing County children and youth programs.