Ferguson opts to retain agency leaders

OLYMPIA – Governor-elect Bob Ferguson announced Friday that he will retain Commissioner Cami Feek to continue running the Employment Security Department, as well as Derek Sandison as head of the Department of Agriculture and Major General Gent Welsh as Adjutant General of the Washington Military Department. 

“I am thankful for these individuals and their unwavering commitment to Washington state,” Ferguson said in a press release. “Their experience will help us move our state forward to better serve all Washingtonians.” 

Feek, who was originally appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2021 and had previously served as the agency’s acting commissioner, deputy commissioner and COO said she was grateful to Ferguson for his confidence in her. She also praised her agency’s staff’s efforts to ensure people are able to find work. 

“I’m honored to serve in the role of commissioner and continue the critical work serving Washingtonians,” Feek said.

ESD manages the state’s Unemployment Insurance and Paid Family and Medical Leave programs as well as partnering with WorkSource to help support workforce development. The department also plays a key role in the management of the WA Cares Fund.  

Feek began with the ESD in 2017 to design and standardize the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program. She began with state government in 1996 in a mail room and worked her way up to executive leadership.  

“I’m excited about the future of Employment Security and working with Governor-elect Ferguson,” Feek said. “And I appreciate Gov. Inslee’s leadership and support these past seven years, from starting our Paid Leave program from the ground up to improving the way we serve our customers.”