Who We Are
The Georgetown Steam Plant Community Development Authority (CDA) is a nonprofit stewarding the transformation of Seattle’s historic Georgetown Steam Plant into a vibrant cultural, educational, and community-centered space.
Formed through a partnership with Seattle City Light, the CDA holds a 60-year lease to activate and open the building to the public. Our work lives at the intersection of preservation, public access, and imagination. Through programs in Science, History, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (SHTEAM), we aim to breathe new life into this National Historic Landmark while honoring its industrial legacy and community-centered roots.
We are a small, committed team of staff, board members, and volunteers working collaboratively to bring the Steam Plant into its next chapter.
Staff
Board of Directors
Debbie Pessein – Science Fair & Program Coordinator
I have lived, worked, and played in Georgetown for over 20 years. I love my neighborhood of friends and families, we’ve been through a lot together. As a frontline community, we face real challenges moving forward, and I find inspiration co-creating alongside the artisans who live, work, and play in the shadow of industry, embracing the creative opportunities that surround us.
Chasing a dream, I first brought the idea for the Science Fair to Sam, and when he said yes, my whole world opened up to new adventures and possibilities. In that moment, I became grounded in SHTEAM (Science, History, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). The Science Fair brings something new to the Duwamish Valley ecosystem and to the Georgetown event calendar. As a community celebration grounded in SHTEAM, we have reimagined the traditional science fair by inviting creatives of all ages to come together, share their work, learn from each other, and leave inspired.
I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to join the team at the Georgetown Steam Plant and I look forward to playing an active role in its exciting transformation for current and future generations to explore and experience.
Thank you Sam!!
Khalil Griffith – Community Engagement Coordinator
Originally from Arkansas, I found my passion for community engagement after moving to Seattle in 2020. Through my work in the arts, urban agriculture, and education, realized the power of collective action and found myself committed to amplifying community voices. I view engagement not just as participation, but as a tool for action— energizing and bringing relevance to the people who need it most. Now 5 years later, I’m Georgetown resident. I’m excited about the future of the Steam Plant and its potential to serve the immediate and extended community.
Sam Farrazaino
Mike Haynes
I was part of the team that put together the Agreement between City Light and GTSPCDA that formalized a long-term relationship founded on preserving and enhancing the steam plant and the role it plays for Seattle, not just as an historic landmark but as a gathering and celebration space for the wide ranging community needs in arts, culture and science. I bring a long history in the utility industry along with a special passion for historic generating facilities and hope to leverage this experience to ensure that we retain this history while embracing the unique features this special place has.
Grace Leong
Stephanie Jones
