Thurston County names new assistant county manager, public works director

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Thurston County has named Jennifer Walker to the recently vacated assistant county manager position and Karen Weiss to replace her as public works director, County Manager Leonard Hernandez announced Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Walker has served as public works director since October of 2016, and she replaces Rob Gelder, who recently left the county to take another position. Weiss, the previous public works assistant director, was appointed to take Walker’s place after serving under Walker for over two years. Weiss first joined the county as a senior management analyst in September of 2016.

In an announcement, Hernandez praised both appointees for their experience and success within the county Public Works Department.

“I believe [Walker] will make a strong addition to the county manager team and bring with her a keen sense of organizational structure and functionality that we all experience from public works,” he wrote. “Karen has distinguished herself as the assistant director and has contributed significantly to the development of the department over the past several years. It is great to see the succession planning this department has done to develop leaders who are ready and capable to take the next step.”

Hernandez said the transition for both positions will take place over the next several days.

In an interview with the Nisqually Valley News, Walker said she is committed to implementing the vision of the county manager under the policy direction of the Board of County Commissioners.

“I am focusing on enhancing our operational excellence because our positions exist to serve our community, and that is our focus,” she said. “We exist to service our community. What I’ve always believed in for government is how we do the work is equally as important as to what work we do.”



Weiss said she is proud of the work the public works team has done over the years and that she looks forward to continuing the leadership and vision set by Walker.

“I’m proud of the amazing public works team that we’ve had and the work that we do providing critical services and infrastructure that impact people’s lives daily in Thurston County,” Weiss said. “I’m honored to be able to continue our dedication to providing services to our community. I plan to continue to build on our effort for improvement, innovation and commitment to providing valuable services.”

Walker lauded Weiss for having a “proven track record of being fiscally responsible” and said her vision aligns with that of the Public Works Department and the county.

“Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business, and she epitomizes that. She’s a great leader and operationally sound,” Walker said. “She will be continuing on the great work that we’ve been doing in public works.”

Weiss praised Walker’s leadership as she steps into the assistant county manager role.

“Jennifer is an outstanding leader and sets a vision and pathway for us to achieve excellence, and I am excited to see what she can do in this role at a countrywide level,” Weiss said.

The appointments are effective Thursday, Jan. 16.