Governor Bob Ferguson named Debbie Driver as the new Legislative Director, and also confirmed the retirement of Cheryl Strange from her position as Acting Secretary of the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), appointing Bea Rector as her temporary successor. Driver, bringing a rich experience of government relations, has worked within various legislative capacities, including her role as a Senior Policy Advisor on transportation for former Governor Jay Inslee and her work at the Washington State Department of Transportation.
With her appointment effective June 3, as reported by the Office of the Governor, Driver is set to leave her current post as Northwest Division Government Relations Director at HNTB, an infrastructure firm where she oversees government relations in multiple Western states, her broad range of skills and expertise are expected to greatly contribute to addressing the consequential issues that affect the residents of Washington state. Governor Ferguson lauded her by saying, "Debbie brings a broad range of skills and expertise to our Executive Leadership Team," and expressed his anticipation to work alongside her to bolster state conditions.
Meanwhile, Cheryl Strange's departure marks the end of an era; she exits the public sector on May 23 after a notable 40-year career. Strange's legacy includes times as Deputy Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Corrections and as CEO at Western State Hospital, where her contributions, especially in reentry, work release programs, and behavioral health, have left a lasting impact. Governor Ferguson remarked, "Cheryl has a remarkable gift for cultivating human-centered and equitable organizational cultures and delivering noteworthy results," acknowledging her as a steadfast public servant.
Stepping into the role of Acting Secretary of DSHS, Bea Rector currently the Assistant Secretary of the Home and Community Living Administration at DSHS, with 25 years of service at the department and 18 years in senior leadership roles is taking the helm during the transitory period as a permanent replacement is sought. Rector is not new to accolades as she has previously received the Governor’s Award for Leadership in Management in 2008, her extensive experience in public administration is expected to guide the department through the crucial phase of transition and change.
