Thurston County taps internal staff for key leadership roles

Thurston County announced two key leadership appointments on Tuesday with promotions for Jennifer Walker and Karen Weiss to new roles within the county’s management team. 

Walker, who has served as Thurston County’s Public Works Director since 2016, will step into the role of Assistant County Manager. Weiss, the current Assistant Director of Public Works, will take over as Director of Public Works. 

Karen Weiss pictured. Thurston County announced two key leadership appointments, promoting Jennifer Walker and Karen Weiss to new roles within the county’s management team.

Photo published by Thurston County

"I am incredibly fortunate to have Jennifer Walker join our County Manager team," said Thurston County Manager Leonard Hernandez, in a press release. 

"Her exceptional leadership and deep understanding of organizational effectiveness, honed during her successful tenure as Public Works Director, will be invaluable assets to our county,” he added.  

Hernandez also said Walker’s “keen sense of structure and functionality will undoubtedly enhance our overall operations.” 

He expressed similar sentiments about Weiss.

"I am delighted to appoint Karen Weiss as the Public Works Director," Hernandez said. 

He emphasized that Weiss has “consistently demonstrated strong leadership and a significant contribution to the department's development,” adding that the promotion is a testament to her hard work and dedication.  

“I am confident that under Karen's leadership, Public Works will continue to excel and serve our community with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness,” he added. 

Walker has overseen the Public Works Department for more than eight years. Weiss joined the department in May 2022. Both appointments took effect on Thursday, Jan. 16.