Carla Santorno has been appointed to the Tacoma Park Board, succeeding Tim Reid, who passed away in December after a long tenure as a commissioner. Santorno, who served as the superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools from 2012 to 2021, was chosen unanimously from four finalists during a board meeting on February 10. Her application highlighted her commitment to creating partnerships aimed at meeting the diverse needs of Tacoma families. Scheduled to be ceremoniously sworn in on February 24, 2025, Santorno has the opportunity to run for election once her term concludes. This decision comes as the Park Board seeks to fill multiple vacancies, having recently appointed Alisa Lee to fill another open seat.

The board still has one position to fill, previously held by Rosie Ayala, with applications due by February 18. The ongoing selection process demonstrates the board's commitment to maintaining strong leadership in the community. Santorno's extensive experience and collaborative approach are anticipated to positively influence Tacoma's parks and recreation initiatives.