Thurston County swears in new commissioners, honors retiring official

Newly elected and reelected County Commissioners (BoCC) were sworn into office on Tuesday, Dec. 17, during the board’s final meeting of the year, signaling a leadership transition as the county prepares for 2025. 

Superior Court Judge Chris Lanese officiated the ceremony, administering oaths to reelected Commissioners Carolina Mejia and Wayne Fournier, alongside newly elected Commissioner Rachel Grant.  

"Thank you all for inviting me to have the honor and privilege of swearing in the reelected and newly elected commissioners for Thurston County," said Lanese before administering the oaths. 

The ceremony also featured a farewell to outgoing Commissioner Gary Edwards, who retired after decades of public service. 

Districts 1, 2 and 4 

The swearing-in began with Commissioner Mejia, who was reelected to represent District 1. Joined by her family, Mejia pledged to continue serving the county with integrity as she started her second term. 

Commissioner-elect Grant, formerly Rachel Dreon, representing District 2, took the oath of office for the first time. She succeeds outgoing Commissioner Edwards. Grant expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support of her family and community. 

The final oath was taken by Commissioner Fournier, reelected to District 4. With his partner by his side, Fournier reaffirmed his commitment to the role and pledged to continue serving Thurston County. 

The BoCC will oversee a county of more than 300,500 residents, including approximately 200,000 active registered voters, according to population estimates and voter registration data released by Thurston County. 

Farewell to Edwards 

Outgoing Commissioner Edwards was recognized for his decades of public service during the ceremony. 

Edwards, a U.S. Army veteran and graduate of the FBI National Academy, served as Thurston County Sheriff for 20 years before being elected to two terms on the board of county commissioners. 

He was instrumental in launching the "Sex Offender Registration Program," a model developed in Thurston County and later adopted nationally. 

Reflecting on Edwards’ legacy with a mix of sincerity and humor, BoCC Chair Tye Menser said, laughing, “I don’t know what life’s like without you, Gary.” 

Edwards also held leadership roles at the state level, serving as president of both the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Washington State Sheriffs Association. 

Looking ahead to 2025 

The new board will officially begin its work in January 2025, with its first meeting focusing on outlining priorities for the year ahead.