OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson honored 26 dedicated public servants with the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Awards today at the Governor’s Mansion.
The honorees include managers from multiple state agencies, as well as Everett Community College, Washington State University Vancouver and Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. The awards were created in 1985 by Governor Booth Gardner.
“Washington’s public employees are the backbone of state government,” Governor Ferguson said. “Today’s honorees are just a few examples of our many dedicated state workers. Thank you all for your work for the people of Washington. It’s a privilege to recognize your contributions. I am proud to work alongside you every day.”
The Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Awards honor exceptional managers who exemplify excellence in their performance and accomplishments. They demonstrate the leadership competencies that Washington state needs to embed a performance-driven culture and model the values and behaviors that promote a diverse and inclusive workforce.
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This year’s honorees
Andrew Davis – Office of Insurance Commissioner
Andrew Davis is recognized for leading the Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Protection Division with empathy, integrity and strategic vision. He has strengthened consumer education and advocacy, helped resolve complex insurance complaints and launched disaster-response outreach that delivered immediate support to residents affected by floods. He also expanded resources for Medicare beneficiaries through the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program. By sponsoring the agency’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee and empowering staff to grow, Andrew has built a modern, collaborative division focused on fair, accessible service and meaningful results for Washington consumers.
Angie Hogenson – Office of Financial Management
With 35 years of public service, Angie Hogenson is recognized for turning complex ideas into clear strategies that modernize statewide human resources. She revitalized the Human Resources Management Report, launched the HR Compliance Center and developed the Workday Readiness Portal, improving service, efficiency and project quality. Angie centers equity, inclusion and diverse voices in enterprise decisions while mentoring staff and creating a culture of trust and autonomy. During a major reorganization, she expanded and aligned her team, removed barriers and strengthened collaboration, leaving the organization more innovative, adaptable and prepared for the future.
Brenda Heilman – Department of Labor & Industries
Brenda Heilman is recognized for steady, innovative leadership within one of the nation’s largest workers’ compensation systems. She developed the division’s first strategic plan in more than a decade, established a new risk-management program and gave more than 1,200 employees stronger channels to share feedback with executive leadership. Brenda also helped create Washington’s light-duty complaint resolution office, which has resolved more than 750 complaints, and led a pilot to improve care for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder claims. Her thoughtful, transparent approach has strengthened trust, workplace culture, customer service and long-term system modernization.
Caroline Byrd – Washington Military Department
Although Caroline is now working with the Criminal Justice Training Commission, Caroline Byrd is recognized for extraordinary leadership with Washington’s Military Department in preparing the state for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. She organized six statewide subcommittees, created an executive steering framework and united state agencies, local governments, tribal nations and public-safety partners around a shared plan. Caroline developed key operational plans that prepared Washington to manage World Cup activities alongside emergencies such as wildfire season. Through inclusive engagement, clear briefings, newsletters and office hours, she built trust and alignment across complex partnerships. Her work has strengthened readiness for this global event while creating lasting frameworks for statewide resilience.
Christy Curwick Hoff – Environmental Justice Council
For more than two decades, Christy Curwick Hoff has advanced equity, anti-racism and language access across Washington state government. She has brought community voices into evidence-based policy, established culturally and linguistically appropriate service standards, advanced health impact reviews and helped turn task force recommendations into state law. During the pandemic, she helped develop an enterprise-wide language access plan so more families could receive critical information. Today, she advises the Environmental Justice Council, guiding investments toward communities most affected by climate change. Known for integrity, humility and strategic vision, Christy builds diverse teams and partnerships, navigates difficult conversations and creates lasting change through resilience and mentorship.
Cristina Sepe – Attorney General’s Office
Since 2024, Cristina Sepe has played a pivotal role in defending Washington’s policies, people and funding against federal challenges. Her leadership was central to nearly 50 cases filed in 2025, helping protect critical policy goals and billions of dollars in federal funding. Without relying on formal authority, Cristina coordinates large, diverse legal teams across the Attorney General’s Office, state agencies and partner states. She also strengthens colleagues through coaching, moot courts and hands-on support. Her legal excellence, resilience, inclusive leadership and extraordinary commitment have safeguarded Washington’s interests while building a strong culture of collaboration.
Daniella Byrd – Washington Technology Solutions
Daniella Byrd is recognized for collaborative, people-centered leadership that has improved statewide technology services and rebuilt trust among agencies. When unreliable systems and rising vendor costs affected staff and customers, she listened closely, validated the operational impacts and created clear accountability with technical teams and vendors. Her work improved system performance and advanced a shared statewide solution expected to reduce costs and improve usability. By inviting staff to raise concerns and help shape solutions, Daniella strengthens psychological safety, morale and engagement. Her transparent communication has delivered lasting operational value for agencies and Washington residents.
Danielle Sullivan – Department of Revenue
With more than 30 years of agency experience, Danielle Sullivan has strengthened statewide property-tax administration through equitable, communication-focused leadership. She leads a team of 60 and builds genuine partnerships with county assessors, emphasizing accessibility, responsiveness and consistency. During significant staff turnover, Danielle rebuilt institutional knowledge, strengthened succession planning and expanded training and support. She also improved public education through the “Understanding Property Tax” video, translated materials and easier digital access. By fostering listening, mentorship, teamwork and psychological safety, Danielle has created lasting improvements in organizational culture, customer service and confidence across the property-tax system.
David Makin – Washington State University
David Makin has advanced transparency and evidence-based decision-making in public safety by creating the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety, now used by more than 75 percent of law-enforcement agencies statewide. He transforms complex information into accessible, community-focused tools that strengthen trust and accountability. David also integrates demographic analysis and collaborative research to examine racial differences in policing, while fostering respect, shared ownership and professional growth within his team. Through strong partnerships with government, law enforcement and the public, he has overcome participation and policy challenges and delivered lasting improvements for communities across Washington.
Edward Barry – Department of Transportation
For more than 30 years at the Washington State Department of Transportation, Ed Barry has demonstrated sustained, customer-first leadership. He guided the Toll Division through rapid expansion, opening new toll points and expressways while maintaining reliable operations and revenue for public benefit. Ed led an educational response to a statewide phishing scam, advanced cost-saving digital billing and helped develop a low-income toll program that improves access to express lanes. Known for inclusive leadership and strong employee engagement, he builds consensus across staff, legislators, partners and peer agencies, delivering complex transportation projects that serve customers fairly and effectively.
Garet Studer – Everett Community College
For nearly a decade, Garet Studer has transformed Everett Community College athletics through a person-centered focus on student achievement, equity and holistic development. By turning data into action and uniting administrators with coaching faculty, he helped achieve an exceptional 86 percent student-retention rate and numerous academic honors. Garet secured support to expand participation and tuition assistance for historically underserved students and created a student leadership council so student voices shape college decisions. Known for humility, transparency and care, he empowers staff, breaks down silos and has built a culture where competitive excellence and academic success reinforce one another.
Jacob Cunnington – Department of Transportation
Jacob Cunnington is recognized for exemplary leadership during the U.S. 2 Tumwater Canyon emergency repairs following catastrophic flooding. In a demanding, around-the-clock response, his technical expertise, decisive action and collaboration helped reopen the highway a month ahead of schedule, restoring vital access for residents, businesses and emergency services. Jacob also prioritized team well-being, mentored new engineers and adapted his leadership to help staff succeed under pressure. Despite workforce shortages and continual staffing changes, he maintained high standards and strong communication. His balance of accountability, compassion and technical excellence delivered an exceptional result for the community.
Jane Beyer – Office of Insurance Commissioner
Jane Beyer, though now retired, is recognized for thoughtful, effective and consumer-centered leadership in health-insurance policy. She turned complex ideas into legally sound, practical protections while keeping the needs of Washington consumers at the forefront. Jane led efforts to stop balance billing for emergency services, improve insurer recognition and fair reimbursement for tribal clinics and reduce administrative barriers. She also advanced accessible, multilingual notices and brings diverse perspectives into policy development. Known for sharing knowledge and credit, confronting difficult issues fairly and supporting colleagues, Jane’s integrity and persistence have produced lasting improvements in consumer protection across Washington.
Jay Baersten – Washington State Historical Society
Over the past four years, Jay Baersten has driven the success of Washington’s Semiquincentennial Committee and launched America 250 as a unifying, bipartisan statewide initiative. She built a network of more than 850 partner organizations, expanded access to history and civics education and secured major media sponsorships and federal funding for local storytelling and participation. Jay created an inclusive framework that elevates diverse voices and connects communities, schools, cultural institutions, legislators and state agencies. Through thoughtful relationship-building and clear communication, she has established a lasting foundation for civic and cultural engagement across Washington.
Jessica Barr – Employment Security Department
Jessica Barr is recognized for clear, consistent and people-centered leadership that has improved performance across the Employment Security Department. Her region increased veteran referral completion rates, reduced services to ineligible participants and shared successful strategies statewide. Jessica also organized cross-state collaboration, led the agency’s first Leadership Summit and made the relocation of WorkSource Everett an accessible, inclusive model for future moves. During crisis recovery, she protected service continuity while supporting staff well-being. Her transparent communication, active listening and focus on relationships have strengthened teams, elevated customer experience and created a culture of continuous learning.
JR Richards – Employment Security Department
JR Richards has delivered measurable results through empathetic, person-centered leadership, helping integrate Unemployment Insurance, Paid Leave and WA Cares into a more seamless service model. By listening first and involving frontline staff in designing solutions, JR reduced resistance, improved engagement, shortened phone wait times and increased customer satisfaction. She combines data with employee and customer feedback so decisions reflect both outcomes and human impact. JR also embeds equity, accessibility and psychological safety into daily work, breaks down organizational silos and develops emerging leaders through leadership academies. Her strategic vision and compassion have strengthened both agency performance and workplace culture.
Lynn Briscoe – Department of Licensing
Lynn Briscoe is recognized for establishing and guiding the Department of Licensing’s Tax Discovery Unit, closing enforcement gaps in regulated industries. She drafted the agency legislation, launched the unit and built partnerships to address unlicensed activity, tax fraud and compliance violations. Under Lynn’s direction, the unit analyzed and closed thousands of cases, issued millions of dollars in assessments and improved voluntary compliance through education and outreach. Her balanced approach combines fair enforcement with clear guidance for businesses and individuals. By building consistent processes, supporting staff and translating complex requirements into action, Lynn created a trusted statewide program that protects public resources.
MaryLou Shannon – Department of Transportation
MaryLou Shannon is recognized for sustained leadership in strategic project delivery, workforce development and equity at the Washington State Department of Transportation. Overseeing a regional construction program with more than one billion dollars in infrastructure investments, she delivers projects that improve mobility and safety while strengthening organizational culture. MaryLou championed regional diversity efforts, guided the “Road Trip to Belonging” initiative and sponsored leadership and professional-growth events. Through intentional recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and employee engagement, she has built a more inclusive and sustainable workforce. Her collaborative leadership has created lasting benefits for employees, partners and communities across the region.
Melissa McBride – Department of Labor & Industries
Melissa McBride leads three statewide programs that strengthen consumer protection, compliance and fair competition for thousands of Washington professionals and businesses. Her strategic leadership has resolved administrative backlogs, improved service consistency and advanced bipartisan policy reforms. Melissa also partnered with language-access programs to remove barriers for people pursuing professional certifications, opening pathways to skilled careers. She builds trusted relationships with advisory groups, stakeholders and community organizations while mentoring and empowering staff at every level. Rising from an entry-level role, Melissa has demonstrated resilience, transparency and vision, delivering meaningful change for employees, customers and communities statewide.
Michelle Underwood – Department of Ecology
For 35 years in the Department of Ecology’s Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program, Michelle Underwood has combined rigorous enforcement with compassion and trust. Her leadership recently broke a four-year stalemate, securing a legal cleanup agreement that will restore 10 acres along the Columbia River and protect human health and the environment. Michelle has also improved customer response times, modernized reporting, strengthened statewide compliance and reduced environmental risk. When her team faced burnout, she advocated for restructuring, mentorship and stronger support. Her humility, persistence and commitment to making work more human have strengthened her team, program and agency.
Praveen Sekhar – Washington State University
Dr. Praveen Sekhar is recognized for 15 years of sustained leadership at Washington State University Vancouver, advancing scientific excellence, equitable opportunity and community impact. He has secured competitive funding for sensor technologies supporting environmental monitoring and first-responder safety, while building research and workforce pathways for Tribal and underrepresented students. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Sekhar guides students toward publication and professional success, supports junior faculty and expands participation in engineering and STEM programs. Even when facing institutional barriers, he responds with resilience and purpose. His research, mentorship and inclusive leadership continue to deliver measurable benefits for Washington and beyond.
Radha Nandagopal, MD – Washington State University
At Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Dr. Radha Nandagopal has helped transform infrastructure, admissions, curriculum and faculty development to build a physician workforce serving communities statewide. She brings equity into both policy and practice by broadening representation in decisions, investing in scholarship endowments and mentoring learners and colleagues. Radha creates psychological safety, encourages innovation and removes barriers so others can succeed. During high-stakes efforts such as accreditation and restructuring, her clarity, empathy and decisiveness strengthened trust and alignment. Her resilient, collaborative leadership has expanded the college’s impact on Washington’s health-care workforce.
Sarah Pittman – Department of Licensing
Sarah Pittman is recognized for leading the Department of Licensing’s implementation of Executive Order 25-03 across dozens of professions and license types. She built strong partnerships across divisions, improved data collection and created shared ownership of a complex review. Sarah went beyond compliance by identifying inefficiencies and training needs, helping cut licensing processing times nearly in half so applicants could begin work sooner. Through customer and staff journey mapping, she made guidance clearer and processes more equitable. Despite outdated systems, limited resources and staffing shortages, Sarah’s adaptable, empathetic leadership established a stronger foundation for transparent, efficient and accessible licensing services.
Savanna Navarro Kresse – Attorney General’s Office
Savanna Navarro Kresse is recognized for advancing anti-racist and pro-equity practices throughout the Attorney General’s Office. She helps leaders and divisions embed equity into operations, legal services, policy and communications. As co-lead of the Racial Disparity in Child Welfare workgroup, Savanna developed practical tools and training to help attorneys identify and address bias. She also helped create a Racial Equity Toolkit for criminal investigations and prosecutions. Through statewide partnerships, committee leadership and constructive support for colleagues, Savanna continues to strengthen agency culture and service delivery. Her steady leadership sustains progress even under challenging external pressures.
Shannon Steketee – Department of Labor & Industries
Shannon Steketee is recognized for transforming how millions of people access state services through practical innovation and customer-centered leadership. She engages directly with users and staff to make digital tools more reliable, accessible and responsive, especially for people navigating complex information. Shannon brings technology, business priorities and customer experience together, building trust and shared understanding without relying on formal authority. Under her guidance, multiple web applications met accessibility standards ahead of schedule, and she helped lead a major statewide portal transition. By keeping the customer voice at the center, Shannon has reduced barriers and improved digital service across the agency.
Tammy Fellin – Department of Labor & Industries
For nearly 13 years, Tammy Fellin has transformed legislative work at the Department of Labor & Industries into a cohesive, responsive network drawing on more than 450 professionals. She has helped address about 1,000 constituent questions and contributed to nearly 280 bill amendments. Since 2014, 94 percent of agency-requested bills have become law, including every bill submitted in the past four years. Tammy has strengthened protections for injured, temporary, agricultural and limited-English-proficiency workers. A trusted mentor and communicator, she makes complex policy accessible, empowers colleagues to participate in the legislative process and builds bipartisan relationships that deliver results for Washington communities.
