STAFF
Robert Feldstein, Executive Director
Robert joined SCA as Executive Director in February 2025. He brings extensive experience in public policy, strategic planning, and community engagement, having worked extensively with local governments, nonprofits, and national coalitions. Prior to joining SCA, Robert held significant positions such as Partner & Principal at Cedar River Group, Director of the Office of Policy & Innovation for the Seattle Mayor’s Office, and Chief of Staff for the Office of Policy and Strategic Planning under New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg. His work has focused on a wide range of issues including affordable housing, public safety, economic development, and immigration reform.
Contact Robert Feldstein 
(206) 499-4238
Leah Willoughby, Chief Operating Officer
Leah Willoughby joined Sound Cities Association as Administrative Services Manager in May, 2019. Leah is originally from Columbus, Ohio. Prior to working at SCA, she worked for the College Success Foundation in Bellevue, where she served as Operations Manager. Leah has a B.A. in English, a Masters Degree in Professional Writing, and a Certificate in Grant Writing and Nonprofit Management.
Aj Foltz, Senior Policy Analyst
Aj joined SCA as a Senior Policy Analyst in July 2024, having recently graduated with her MPA from the UW Evans School of Public Policy & Governance. Prior to working at SCA, she conducted research on Paid Family & Medical Leave, county-level utilization of federal Covid-19 funds, and administrative burden in social programs. Her career has led her through local and federal governments, higher education, and nonprofit organizations. Aj also holds a B.A. in Public Policy, Leadership, and Management from The Ohio State University. She is originally from Cleveland, Ohio.
Laura Belmont, Policy Analyst
Laura joined SCA as a Policy Analyst in December 2024. They hold a PhD in molecular and cellular biology from the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, where they studied the immune response to dengue virus. Laura’s experience spans cancer and virology research, science education, and policy and advocacy. This includes leading Hutch United, an organization supporting underrepresented scientists. They also hold a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science with a concentration in Genetics, Cell, and Developmental Biology from Arizona State University.
Dax Tate, Policy Analyst
Dax joined SCA as a Policy Analyst in August 2025. He has an MA in history from the University of Victoria, where he researched the relationship between economic inequality and government policy in the French Revolution. Dax has worked across Washington’s policymaking process, with experience as a session aide in the Washington State Legislature, a campaign associate for the Washington Public Interest Research Group (WashPIRG), and most recently as a policy analyst for the state Department of Health. Born and raised in Washington, Dax attended high school in Auburn and has a BA in history from the University of Washington.