Meet Carla
Carla Santorno has spent her career dedicated to serving children and their families, first as a respected educator and now as a proud member of the Parks Tacoma Board of Commissioners. With a deep love for this community and a strong belief in the power of public spaces, Carla is running to retain her seat on the board to continue building safe, inclusive, and vibrant parks and programs for everyone.
Before joining the Parks board, Carla served as Superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools from 2012 to 2021, where she led with a vision of equity, innovation, and academic excellence. Under her leadership, graduation rates improved dramatically and Tacoma became a nationally recognized model for urban public education. That same commitment to equity, access, and excellence now guides her work in parks and recreation.
As a grandmother, Carla sees Tacoma’s parks through the eyes of her grandchildren—and the lens of the future. She believes every child deserves clean, welcoming, and inspiring places to play, explore, and connect with nature. Carla is passionate about preserving green spaces and creating recreational opportunities that will enrich the lives of generations to come.
Carla will bring her strong background in administrative leadership and years of experience partnering across organizations to her work as a parks commissioner. Her primary focus will be on expanding the partnerships and progress Parks Tacoma has already made. With your support, she’ll keep working to make Parks Tacoma a source of pride and possibility for all who call this community home.
Carla’s Priorities
Parks for Every Neighborhood
Expanding access to safe, welcoming green spaces in all parts of Tacoma.
Investing in Youth and Families
Creating programs and places that support kids’ growth, learning, and joy.
Protecting Our Natural Spaces
Preserving and restoring the beauty of Tacoma’s environment for future generations.
Equity and Inclusion in Recreation
Ensuring everyone—of every background and ability—feels at home in our parks.
Modernizing Community Facilities
Revitalizing parks, centers, and trails to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Strengthening Partnerships
Ensuring our government, public institutions, and non-profit communities are all working efficiently to build a healthier Tacoma together.
Endorsements
Elected Officials
House Speaker Laurie Jinkins, 27th LD
Senator T’wina Nobles, 28th LD
Representative Mari Leavitt, 27th LD
Representative Melanie Morgan, 29th LD
Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards
Tacoma City Council Member Kristina Walker
Tacoma City Council Member John Hines
Tacoma City Council Member Olgy Diaz
Tacoma City Council Member Sarah Rumbaugh
Tacoma City Council Member Kiara Daniels
Tacoma Public School Board President Korey Strozier
Tacoma Public School Board Member Elizabeth Bonbright
Tacoma Public School Board Member Enrique Leon
Parks Tacoma Board President Andrea Smith
Parks Tacoma Board Member Matt Mauer
Parks Tacoma Board Member Alisa Lee
Parks Tacoma Board Member Pete Reyes
Community Leaders
Josh Garcia
Kathy Orlando
Lua Pritchard
Brent Mason
Scott Heinz
Sue Smythe
Holly Bamford Hunt
Ivan Harrell
Minh-Anh Hodge
Tanya Durand
Eric Wilson
DeAnne Hamilton
Contact Team Santorno
Have an important question? Want to get involved? Let us know!