Beloved by faculty and fellow classmates, the Evans School community grieves the loss of 2022 MPA graduate and dedicated public leader, Chandler Walker Gayton. Chandler passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 33 due to injuries sustained while riding his motorcycle.
Chandler truly exemplified the Evans School’s values of equity, courage and service. “This kind of loss hits a community very deeply,” shared Dean Jodi Sandfort. “To have a leader with such potential who is taken from us so soon leaves a significant mark. I will hold tight to my memories of our conversations on the steps to Parrington—about our shared work, about how his courses were preparing him to make a difference, and about the changemaking work he was already leading in the region.”
Before shifting into a career in the public sector, Chandler showcased his leadership skills on the football field and in local real estate. He was captain of the O’Dea High School football team and went on to play in college at Simon Fraser University in B.C where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Faculty of Communication, Art, and Technology. He returned to Seattle after graduation to earn his real estate brokers’ license and work for Windemere Real Estate Company.
In 2017, Chandler took on the role of one of three legislative aides under legendary civil rights leader and King County Councilmember Larry Gossett. Chandler handled government and public affairs matters, which he regarded as highly challenging and rewarding. After Councilmember Gossett’s retirement, Chandler began working for Councilmember Girmay Zahilay, focusing on community outreach and communications, particularly in the Skyway area of unincorporated King County. His primary focus was working on affordable housing and land use, where he was extremely successful. He was encouraged and supported to pursue his MPA while working for Gossett and Zahilay, and he was awarded the Dr. Constance W. and Norman B. Rice Endowed Graduate Fellowship.
Beginning in 2023, Chandler’s primary professional role was as a strategic advisor for public safety in Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office. His job involved community outreach and communications, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He had also started to explore the possibility of running for office.
Chandler was a Seattle native with a deep commitment to his community. He served on the Board of Homestead Community Land Trust, which creates stability, equity and opportunity by developing land and housing in trust, giving lower-income households the opportunity to own a home that remains affordable. He also served on the Treehouse for Kids Young Professionals Board and was a mentor for several students in his local community.
What shone through most in the memories shared by family, friends, and colleagues at his celebration of life on August 15 was Chandler’s kindness, consideration of others, and his adventurous spirit. May his memory serve as an inspiration to future generations of public service leaders.
The Evans School extends our deepest condolences to the Gayton family, who have been involved with the Evans School and UW for decades. Chandler’s father, Carver Gayton (BA ‘60, MPA ’72, Ph.D. ‘76) is an alum, former staff and faculty member, and served on the Evans School’s Advisory Committee and numerous other volunteer leadership positions across the UW.
To read more or share a memory, please visit Chandler’s memorial page.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of the following: