Gov. Bob Ferguson picks Angela Ramirez to lead WA’s social services agency
Washington is getting a new leader at the Department of Social and Health Services.
Gov. Bob Ferguson on Aug. 14 appointed Angela Ramirez as the department’s new secretary, effective Sept. 22. Through Jan. 20, Ramirez had worked in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as chief of staff.
The governor’s office notes that she has advised on several projects since the beginning of this year.
In an Aug. 14 news release, Ferguson highlighted Ramirez’s experience, leadership and focus on collaboration, saying that it “makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role.”
“As Secretary of Washington’s largest agency, she will provide the direction and strategic vision needed to effectively deliver critical services across Washington,” he continued.
Ramirez’s appointment comes after a national search attracted candidates from over 11 states.
For more than two decades, Ramirez has counted various roles in local, state and federal government.
At HHS, she coordinated a federal department with a $1.7 trillion budget and over 90,000 employees, per the news release. She advised senior officials and the department secretary, helmed initiatives, and led personnel strategies and policy in areas including behavioral and reproductive health.
Ramirez thanked Ferguson in the release, saying that she’s honored to serve in this new role.
“As the daughter of farmworkers who both experienced homelessness, I understand how life-changing public systems can be when they truly support people,” Ramirez said. “Whether someone needs housing, a job, mental health care, or simply the dignity of choice — I believe in the power of government to help individuals shape their own lives.”
Prior to her time at HHS as chief of staff, Ramirez served as its deputy chief of staff. She helped mold legislative efforts like the American Rescue Plan as special assistant to the president in the White House. Other roles have included senior staff for the Biden presidential transition and executive director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.
A Princeton University graduate, Ramirez holds a political economy degree and a certificate in Spanish language and literature. She had a fellowship in the California state Senate early in her career, with experience in community service including mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Politico included Ramirez on its “Power List” during her time as chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, a New Mexico Democrat. She’s also been acknowledged in the National Journal as a key congressional staffer.
This story was originally published August 14, 2025 at 10:57 AM.
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