WA Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson reveals his selections to lead these 3 state departments
Washington Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Nov. 27 announced his picks to lead three state agencies.
Two selections are reappointments: David Puente Jr. as director of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Marcus Glasper as director of the Department of Licensing.
Cheryl Strange has been named acting secretary for the Department of Social and Health Services as DSHS Secretary Jilma Meneses departs.
Strange previously worked as DSHS secretary from 2017 to 2021, according to a Nov. 27 news release. Since mid-May 2021, she has served as secretary of the state’s corrections department.
“Washington state faces significant challenges, and these proven leaders will help me make government work for the People,” Ferguson said in the Nov. 27 release. “I can count on these talented individuals to lead the hardworking Washingtonians in their agencies in order to move our state forward, get things done, and protect our core freedoms.”
Puente’s time as Department of Veterans Affairs director began in February 2023, according to the news release. The Army veteran previously held a deputy director role with that agency.
Before that, Puente served for 28 years at the state’s Department of Labor and Industries.
Glasper — who’s worked in the public sector for more than three decades — has directed the Department of Licensing since spring 2023, the news release says. Prior to being appointed director, he led the Washington State Lottery for five years.
He also has held leadership roles with the departments of Corrections and Revenue.
From 2008 to 2011, Strange was the deputy secretary at the Department of Corrections — the agency she would later lead.
Strange has spent more than 40 years serving in government, labor organizations and nonprofits, including in leadership, the news release states. Her resume features a stint as assistant director for DSHS’s mental-health division.
Ferguson announced the week of Nov. 17 that he plans to hire new leadership for nine Washington state agencies.
This story was originally published November 28, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "WA Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson reveals his selections to lead these 3 state departments."
