Ferguson names Casey Sixkiller new director of the WA Department of Ecology
The state’s Department of Ecology is getting a new leader.
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson announced Dec. 2 that Casey Sixkiller will head the Washington State Department of Ecology. Sixkiller will be the agency’s 14th director.
In May 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Sixkiller to helm region 10 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as noted in the release. Sixkiller, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, leads the EPA’s work in Washington, Idaho, Alaska, Oregon and 271 tribal nations.
According to a Dec. 2 news release, the appointment illustrates the incoming governor’s dedication to safeguarding the state’s clean water and air, and to creating “good-paying, clean energy jobs” statewide.
“Casey’s extensive background leading large organizations, defending Tribal sovereignty, and protecting our natural resources makes him the ideal choice to lead the Department of Ecology,” Ferguson said. “Casey has the ability to craft practical solutions to complex problems, which will be critical to getting big things done and moving our state forward.”
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At the EPA, Sixkiller has spearheaded efforts to implement the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which together are aimed at addressing climate change and investing in water infrastructure, plus the adoption and deployment of clean-energy solutions, according to the news release.
“I am honored to accept this appointment,” Sixkiller said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Governor-elect Ferguson and the talented team at the Department of Ecology to protect our natural environment and promote sustainable practices that benefit our communities and our ecosystems.”
Sixkiller will start his new role Jan. 15. He’ll replace Laura Watson, who will serve as the state’s chief deputy attorney general under Attorney General-elect Nick Brown.
Sixkiller is the son of Sonny Sixkiller, the legendary University of Washington quarterback who would go on to act in 1974’s “The Longest Yard” starring Burt Reynolds.
The week of Nov. 17, Ferguson unveiled plans to bring in new leadership at nine state agencies.
The governor-elect announced on Nov. 27 his choices for three positions, two of which were reappointments: Marcus Glasper as director of the Department of Licensing, David Puente Jr. as director of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Cheryl Strange as acting secretary for the Department of Social and Health Services.
This story was originally published December 3, 2024 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Ferguson names Casey Sixkiller new director of the WA Department of Ecology."
