Elect Jerome O’Leary

My Story

I’m Jerome O’Leary, and I’m running for District 1 Pierce County Charter Review Commission because I believe our local government should be built to serve the people — not bureaucracy. This once-a-decade review is our opportunity to make sure the County Charter reflects the values, needs, and future of the people who live and work here.

For over 30 years, I’ve worked in commercial real estate, helping businesses, municipalities, and non-profits across Pierce County grow with purpose. I’m currently a Senior Vice President at Kidder Mathews, Inc. where I specialize in the acquisition, leasing, and sale of office, retail, and multifamily properties. I have worked across Washington and Idaho, successfully representing local, regional, and national clients including Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Burger King, Washington State Fair, Cities of Sumner and Puyallup, Goodwill Industries, Heritage Bank, Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, St. Francis House, and local food banks, as well as others in those markets. 

My career didn’t start in real estate — I began in the commercial construction industry, as an estimator and project manager for commercial and industrial projects in both the private and public sectors. That hands-on experience taught me how to navigate complex systems, build lasting structures, and collaborate with others on a timeline and within a budget. This required a collective effort to keep things moving forward for a common goal — lessons that translate directly into effective public service.

At the age of 19, I founded and operated my own business — a retail outlet for campers and canopies here in Pierce County called Canopy Land. I grew that business and sold it to one of my exclusive manufacturers. 

During my career in commercial real estate and development, I have been fortunate to work with diverse clients ranging from national brands to local organizations and family-run businesses, as well as local and state municipalities and non-profits. Through it all, I’ve stayed true to the objectives of my clients, while building consensus, maintaining a balanced approach, taking into account all relevant aspects and perspectives of a situation, and arriving at an outcome that is fair, effective, and sustainable.

My Commitment to Community

Pierce County isn’t just where I work — it’s where I live, raise my family, and serve. I’ve been proud to give back through several civic and advisory roles, including:

• Master Builders Association of Pierce County Board

• Pierce County Agricultural Advisory Committee Chair

• Pierce County Conservation Futures Board

• Pierce County Transportation Commission

• Puyallup Food Bank Board

• Puyallup/Sumner Chamber of Commerce Board

• St. Francis House Board

• Washington State Fair Rodeo Committee

• Rotary International, South Hill Puyallup (member for over 35 years and continue to serve. I‘ve held several offices including President, Vice President, Secretary and multi-term board member)

These roles have helped me stay connected to people in our community, to understand their needs and priorities, and to see the potential of our County.

Why This Matters

The Charter Review Commission may be temporary, but the work accomplished is significant and will shape Pierce County for years to come. I’m running to bring a practical, business-minded, and community-first approach to that work — to clean up what’s obsolete, protect what’s relevant, and advocate for a government that serves us all.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me. I’d be honored to earn your vote — and to help make sure Pierce County is built on a foundation that works for everyone.

— Jerome