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closeFriday, Jan. 09, 2009
Matheson leaving state Retirement Services post
By Michelle Dupler, Herald staff writer
Former Tri-Citian Sandy Matheson is leaving the state's Department of Retirement Services for parts as yet unknown.
Matheson, a one-time board chairwoman for the Tri-City Development Council, has served as the agency's director since being appointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire in 2005.
But as Gregoire begins her second term, Matheson said she thought the moment had come to move on rather than committing to another four years serving in the Cabinet.
"I'm sorry to be leaving this job," she said Thursday. "I have really loved it. It's just the right time. ... The governor needs someone for four years. She needs a Cabinet she can depend on for four years."
Matheson, 56, said she's exploring a few opportunities. She said she isn't sure where she'll go next, but expects her next job will take her out of state.
As director of the Department of Retirement Services, Matheson oversaw the state's public employee retirement system, an experience she found enlightening.
"It has been the most remarkable, wonderful job and I have learned and loved doing the job," she said.
Matheson said she wasn't an expert on retirement systems when she started, although she said at the time of her appointment she thought it was the Cabinet position that best fit her business background.
In addition to serving on the TRIDEC board, Matheson owned a management consulting business, was an adjunct business professor for Washington State University, was a former board president for Kennewick General Hospital, and was president and CEO of the Hanford Environmental Health Foundation.
She was named Tri-Citian of the Year in 2003.
The following year, she made an unsuccessful bid against Republican U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings for Washington's 4th Congressional District seat.
She said she likely won't return to politics, but didn't rule out taking another government job after her resignation is effective March 31.
Matheson said she's loved working with Gregoire and the department's staff, as well as learning a new industry and doing a job that helps people with an important part of their lives -- planning for their retirements.
"The one thing I really, really enjoyed about this job is it is a job where you can reach out and help people with their lives and financial security," she said. "It has been nice to be able to help people with that."
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