One of Thurston County’s largest departments has a new boss

Thurston County has a new Public Works director.

Jennifer Walker has been hired for the role by the Board of County Commissioners, and is scheduled to begin Oct. 16.

Walker comes to Thurston County from neighboring Pierce County, where she is the strategic planning and asset manager with Planning and Public Works. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey.

Walker’s annual salary will be $125,000, according to Chavez.

The previous Public Works director, Ramiro Chavez, has served as county manager since June 2016.

Public Works, one of the county’s largest departments, has eight divisions including transportation, road operations and solid waste.

This story was originally published September 18, 2017 at 4:40 PM with the headline "One of Thurston County’s largest departments has a new boss."