From the Rev. Dr. Doug Wadkins, Senior Minister

I am delighted to share that Cynthia Setel has joined UUC staff as Interim Executive for Finance and Operations. This is a full-time position which we anticipate will extend through the next 9-12 months. 

Cynthia comes to us with more than 20 years of expertise in nonprofit management and consulting. Over the past 4-5 years, she has specialized in interim leadership roles to help guide organizations through complex transitions. Some of her recent positions were with Excelsior Wellness in Spokane as Chief Financial Officer, Golden Gate Conservation District in San Francisco as Interim Chief Operating Officer and Interim Deputy CEO, and King Conservation District in Renton as Interim Executive Director. 

Prior to that, Cynthia served as the Director of the Housing Choice Voucher Program with the Seattle Housing Authority, CFO of Public Heath of Seattle and King County, Budget Supervisor of the Office of Policy and Management for King County, and Contract Monitor of the Human Services Department for the City of Seattle.

She holds a Masters of Public Administration in International Development from the University of Washington and earned her BA in History and Political Science at Seattle Pacific University.

During her time with us, we’ve asked Cynthia to focus on the following five priorities: (1) direction and oversight of finances and budget, (2) management of facilities, technology and information systems, (3) support of fund development activities, (4) management of contracts, policies, and human resources, and (5) development of an interim staffing plan, working closely with the Interim Senior Minister and Acting Administrator.

Cynthia is also a neighbor, living within walking distance of UUC. Some of her community affiliations include serving on the Boards of the Seattle International Film Festival, the Seattle Collaborative Orchestra, The Defender Association, and Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange. She also is a volunteer at Saving Great Animals, dedicated to rescuing dogs and finding them new homes. 

Cynthia has been an active member and lay leader at Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, and her spouse has been a member of Temple Beth Am. They have four grown daughters.

Please join me in welcoming Cynthia to UUC!