Washington Governor-elect Bob Ferguson has appointed Kathryn Leathers to lead the Department of Retirement Systems, which is responsible for managing retirement plans for nearly 1 million public employees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Leathers, who previously served as the general counsel for the governor’s office and senior counsel for the state House Democratic Caucus, is recognized for her dedication and expertise. Her appointment, effective January 15, is part of Ferguson's broader initiative to revamp leadership across various state agencies. The Department of Retirement Systems plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial security of public employees, especially as the state navigates ongoing fiscal challenges.