Governor-elect Bob Ferguson has appointed Kathryn Leathers as the new head of Washington's Department of Retirement Systems, responsible for managing retirement plans for nearly 1 million public employees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Leathers will assume her role on January 15, with a focus on championing the sustainability of retirement plans for public sector workers. She has a rich background in public service, having served as general counsel for the governor's office since 2017 and previously as senior counsel for the state House Democratic Caucus. Her experience includes advising the state bar association and providing bipartisan legislative support. In addition to her legal expertise, Leathers has worked as a prosecutor and in civil litigation.

Ferguson's cabinet appointments reflect a strategic move to revitalize leadership within state agencies, aligning with his recent announcement of new leadership at nine state agencies and indicating a significant shift in state governance. Leathers’ extensive experience positions her as a strong advocate for protecting the retirement benefits of Washington's public employees.