Kathryn Leathers has been appointed by Gov. -elect Bob Ferguson to head Washington's Department of Retirement Systems, a vital agency responsible for managing retirement plans for nearly 1 million public employees, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters. Ferguson commended Leathers as a dedicated public servant with the necessary experience to ensure the sustainability of these retirement plans. With a strong legal background, Leathers has served as general counsel for the governor's office since her appointment by outgoing Gov. Jay Inslee in 2017 and has provided legal counsel for both Democratic and Republican members of the state House, demonstrating her bipartisan approach.

Her new role will begin on January 15, ensuring a smooth leadership transition. Alongside Leathers' appointment, Ferguson announced several cabinet-head reappointments aimed at strengthening state agency leadership, emphasizing the administration's commitment to protecting the retirement benefits of public sector workers. As Washington state faces public service challenges, Leathers' leadership is expected to be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the retirement system.