Got what it takes to lead a WA state agency? Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson wants you to apply
If you’ve ever dreamed of directing a Washington state agency, now is your chance to apply.
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Thursday announced plans to hire fresh faces to helm nine state agencies. He has started the process to appoint leadership to:
Department of Transportation
Department of Health
Department of Children, Youth and Families
Department of Social and Health Services
Department of Ecology
Department of Enterprise Services
Department of Corrections
Health Care Authority
Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs
More than 45,000 employees clock in full time at these various agencies, according to the Nov. 21 news release.
McClatchy reached out to the governor-elect’s office for additional comment but did not immediately hear back.
Secretary of Health Dr. Umair Shah, a Gov. Jay Inslee appointee, revealed Tuesday that he’ll be stepping down next year. Other agency heads have also made plans to retire, move to the private sector or pursue other state-government roles, as noted in Ferguson’s news release.
“I’m grateful to cabinet members for their service to the people and state of Washington,” Ferguson said. “We will appoint new leaders who will bring fresh ideas and a passion for improving government. We are building a government that will fight to protect the rights of Washingtonians, solve problems, and make government work for the people.”
How do I apply?
Hopefuls can vie for leadership positions in Ferguson’s administration by visiting a newly launched web portal and filling out a form. There are also opportunities to volunteer on commissions and boards.
The governor-elect will continue to assess other cabinet agencies’ leadership, the news release says. He intends to give an update sometime next week.
Ferguson’s transition team
Ferguson has touted the diversity of his transition team. On Nov. 16, he posted on X (Twitter) that the group features Washingtonians from every region and both sides of the political aisle. It includes the mayors of Tacoma, Spokane and Leavenworth, as well as state Reps. Tom Dent (R-Moses Lake) and Tana Senn (D-Mercer Island).
Earlier this week Ferguson announced that the transition team is fielding submissions from those who want to serve in the Evergreen State’s government. The job candidate-finding effort was broadcast as part of his mission to form an inclusive, expert-driven and diverse administration.
Aside from state-agency leadership and volunteer roles, applicants also can aim for operational and policy-advisor positions, according to a Nov. 18 news release. Intrigued parties can fill out an interest form and read about specific openings at careers.wa.gov.
Ferguson also vowed to pare down bureaucracy and “center the people in all decisions” during his gubernatorial tenure.
“This is a unique opportunity to contribute to Washington’s future and to help implement policies that will improve the lives of all Washington residents,” he said.
This story was originally published November 22, 2024 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Got what it takes to lead a WA state agency? Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson wants you to apply."
