Washington's Gov. -elect Bob Ferguson has announced the appointment of Kathryn Leathers as the new head of the Department of Retirement Systems, responsible for managing retirement benefits for nearly 1 million public employees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Ferguson commended Leathers for her dedication and extensive experience in public service, expressing confidence in her ability to champion the sustainability of retirement plans. Leathers previously served as general counsel for the governor's office, appointed by outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee in 2017, and has significant experience as senior counsel for the state House Democratic Caucus.

She will officially start her new position on January 15, 2025. This appointment is part of Ferguson's efforts to bring new leadership to nine state agencies, underscoring his commitment to the well-being of public sector workers in Washington and stabilizing the state's retirement systems.