The City of SeaTac has selected Marcus Williams as its next chief of police, City Manager Jonathan Young announced, with the transition expected by the end of April.

Williams, a nearly 35-year veteran of law enforcement, was chosen following a competitive recruitment process conducted in partnership with the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The position became open after the resignation of Chief Troy Smithmeyer in January.

Williams will command the SeaTac Police Department, which is managed by the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).

“Marcus brings several years of prior experience serving as a Chief of Police, along with a depth of strategic leadership that was evident throughout the process,” Young said. “He has shared a clear and compelling vision for the role one that reflects both the immediate needs of the organization and a forward looking approach to strengthening public safety and community trust in SeaTac.”

Williams began his law enforcement career in June 1991 with KCSO after serving in the U.S. Navy as an engineer aboard the USS Alaska. Over the course of his career, he has worked in multiple South King County cities, including Federal Way, Burien, Covington, Maple Valley, Newcastle and SeaTac, serving in patrol, investigative and command roles.

He has led several major units within the Sheriff’s Office, including the Criminal Investigations Division, Special Operations units such as SWAT, Marine, Aviation and Advanced Training, as well as the Internal Investigations Unit and Metro Transit Police.

Most recently, Williams served as chief of the Sound Transit Police before returning to the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigations Division. He holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Highline College, attended the University of Utah and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School for Police Staff and Command.

Young said the hiring process drew strong candidates, with both finalists demonstrating professionalism and a commitment to public safety. He also thanked finalist Captain Mike Smith, who served as acting chief during the transition.

“Mike has led with professionalism and steadiness, and his commitment to the organization and community has been evident throughout this transition,” Young said.

The city launched the search after Smithmeyer’s departure, conducting an open application period, candidate screening and structured panel interviews at SeaTac City Hall on April 3. The process also included a public meet and greet on April 14, with input gathered from city staff, community members and interview panelists before the final selection.