Washington State has a new helmsman steering the Department of Enterprise Services (DES). Governor Bob Ferguson, eyeing continuity and expertise, has appointed Matt Jones, a veteran of the department, as its new director. Jones, who was the acting director since January 15 of this year, holds a track record with DES that spans nearly two decades, touching various functions from operations to policy. His long tenure in the agency spoke volumes, signaling an intimate understanding of its inner workings.
Ready to helm the department's mission to bolster the state's enterprises, Jones brings a wealth of experience, including a stint as the interim chief operations officer at DES, to the table. As one who grew up in the suburbs of Portland and made Olympia his home, he has seen the region's transformation up close. Alongside commitments to the public sector, Jones has roots in the tech world, having worked at IBM Global Services and Nike, according to a recent announcement on the Governor's official website.
"Matt's extensive knowledge of the Department of Enterprise Services made him a clear choice to lead the agency," said Governor Ferguson in a statement obtained by the official Governor's website. Indeed, Jones himself expressed his commitment to this role. "I am honored to have the trust and confidence of Governor Ferguson and look forward to serving the people of Washington as the director of DES," he told the Governor's website. His vision emphasizes not just running a tight ship but expanding its outreach to encompass small businesses and ensuring governmental efficiency reaches every corner of the state.
Beyond his professional role, Jones has a more relaxed side—he enjoys outdoor activities like paddleboarding and rock hounding, which likely help him balance the demands of public administration. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Jones has a well-rounded background that fits the wide range of duties he now handles. In his previous role as assistant director of Capitol security and visitor services, he was instrumental in managing the care and safety of the Capitol campus.
