Christie True

Christie True joined the Washington Water Trust in July of 2021. Christie was appointed by King County Executive Dow to lead King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) in July 2010. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks has four major divisions – Parks and Recreation, Solid Waste, Wastewater Treatment and Water and Land Resources – that perform tasks ranging from improving water quality, to conserving land, to enhancing parks and trails, to protecting residents and businesses from climate impacts like flooding and severe weather, to restoring crucial fish and wildlife habitat, to recycling and reusing wastewater and solid waste byproducts. Before becoming the department director Christie worked in King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division for 25 years as a water quality specialist, regulator, planner, manager of large capital projects in design and construction and eventually director of the division.

Christie has proven to be a leader in positive community engagement, managing change and being dedicated to continuous improvement and growth of our natural resources. Christie is known for her experience in establishing processes to better manage and deliver complex projects and budgets, and for her technical expertise and strategic, practical approach to addressing challenges impacting our quality of life.

Born here in Washington state, Christie received her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Western Washington University’s Huxley College. Upon graduation, she began her career at the Bellingham Public Works Department, where she was one of the few women in the wastewater industry that was also a state certified treatment plant operator. In 2018, Christie was recognized as Distinguished Alumna, Huxley College of the Environment.

Christie met her husband, Larry James while attending Western. They have lived on Vashon/Maury Island where they designed and built their home nearly 30 years ago. They live with two border collies, Shep and Nan, and a small flock of sheep that Christie uses to train her dogs to compete in sheep herding competitions around the Pacific Northwest. Christie also enjoys traveling, gardening and cooking.