CONTACT:  Amy Davis, Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners,  
                       amy.davis@co.thurston.wa.us, 360-786-5447

Thurston County Commissioners Highlight 2024 Successes 
The county’s elected officials prepare for enhanced operational, financial excellence in local government 

OLYMPIA – Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (Board) highlight of its efforts in 2024 to prepare county government to navigate community growth with operational excellence. 

"The implementation of our 2024 initiatives underscores the value of the supportive and forward-thinking workplace culture we are building," said Commissioner Tye Menser, Chair of the Board. "As we continue to evolve as an organization, we remain focused—elected officials and staff alike—on being responsible stewards of public resources and making decisions that contribute to a safe, healthy, and resilient community." 

In 2024, the Board retooled vital county operations and put experienced professionals in place to deliver higher standards of accountability, consistency and transparency in preparation for improved fiscal and organizational efficiency in 2025 and beyond. Highlights of their efforts include:

• New County Executive Team The Board placed the county’s administrative operations in the hands of a three-person executive team. They hired a new county manager, Leonard Hernandez, with a background in organizational transformation. Along with Hernandez, the county appointed two assistant county managers, Joshua Cummings and Jennifer Walker, both department directors prior to filling the assistant county manager roles.
• New County Budget Lead The county installed a new Budget and Fiscal Manager, Summer Miller, replacing a long-time manager who retired. Miller is tasked with updating the county’s reporting processes to deliver accurate, real-time reporting for full visibility for county leadership, as well as creating a fiscal analysis for improved forecasting.
• New Approach to Board Meetings The county streamlined its board meetings for better decision-making, time management, and productivity. The Board asked staff to conduct thorough project assessments before making requests, with clear briefing packets outlining the project's relevance, fiscal impact, and timelines. These packets are provided to Board members at least one week in advance to allow them time for individual review and more informed discussions.
• New Direction for Courthouse Renovation The Board, with the support of key stakeholders from the community, the courts and the county’s other elected officials, committed to a fiscally responsible approach for a reduced cost renovation of the current county courthouse buildings while they move forward with a thoughtful and fiscally responsible manner on the long-term needs. 
• New Financial Accounting and Payroll System The county replaced outdated legacy software systems and is working through the implementation of a unified enterprise resource planning platform that integrates financial accounting, payroll, human resources and budget management tools. The new system delivers real-time data accuracy, offering a comprehensive view of the organization’s financial health, workforce costs, and budget allocations, while reducing manual data entry and reconciliation time.
•  Internal Staff Advancement Highlighting the health of the organization, the county promoted six staff members. Two new assistant county managers. Three department managers advanced to director positions. Ashley Arai is now director of Community Planning & Economic Development, Karen Weiss is director of Public Works, and Dr. Jen Freiheit is director of Public Health and Social Services. Summer Miller, new Budget and Fiscal Manager was promoted from a department budget and fiscal manager role. 

“Healthy organizations embrace change,” said Wayne Fournier, Vice-Chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “And my colleagues and I are not only embracing change, but we’re actively leading the way with our internal and external processes. Our goal is to serve our community by preparing government services and infrastructure for the future and being fiscally responsible and efficient in doing so. 2024 set the foundation for an even stronger 2025.” 

"Effective change in government begins with listening to those we serve,” said Commissioner Carolina Mejia. “Understanding their needs, and continuously evolving to meet those needs with greater efficiency and care is my goal, and a goal of the Board."

Commissioner Emily Clouse added, “True success in county government is measured by the tangible benefits we deliver to Thurston County residents. Our community deserves a government that listens, responds, and actively removes barriers—Whether by improving access to services, ensuring fiscal responsibility, or expanding opportunities that allow everyone to thrive.”

"True progress in government comes from aligning our organizational changes with the aspirations of the community,” said Commissioner Rachel Grant. “Our goal is to build more responsive and accountable public services that our community can trust."

To learn more about the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners visit https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners.