The Thurston County Board of County Commissioners recently highlighted its efforts in 2024 “to prepare county government to navigate community growth with operational excellence.”
The commissioners listed the advances in a news release last week.
“The implementation of our 2024 initiatives underscores the value of the supportive and forward- thinking workplace culture we are building," said Commissioner Tye Menser, chair of the board. “As we continue to evolve as an organization, we remain focused — elected officials and staff alike — on being responsible stewards of public resources and making decisions that contribute to a safe, healthy, and resilient community.”
In 2024, the county commissioners retooled county operations and put experienced professionals in place to deliver higher standards of accountability, consistency and transparency in preparation for improved fiscal and organizational efficiency in 2025 and beyond, the news release stated.
Highlights of their efforts include:
• New county executive team: The board placed the county’s administrative operations in the hands of a three-person executive team led by Leonard Hernandez, along with Joshua Cummings and Jennifer Walker.
• New county budget lead: The county installed a new budget and fiscal manager, Summer Miller, whose current assignment is updating the county’s reporting processes, as well as creating a fiscal analysis for improved forecasting.
• New approach to board meetings: The county streamlined its board meetings by asking staff to conduct project assessments before making requests, with clear briefing packets outlining the project’s relevance, fiscal impact and timelines.
• New direction for courthouse renovation: The board, with the support of key stakeholders from the community, the courts and the county’s other elected officials, committed to a fiscally responsible approach for a renovation of the current county courthouse buildings.
• New financial accounting and payroll system: The county replaced outdated legacy software systems and is working to implement a new platform that integrates financial accounting, payroll, human resources and budget management tools.
• Internal staff advancement: The county promoted six staff members. Ashley Arai is now director of community planning and economic development, Karen Weiss is director of public works, Dr. Jen Freiheit is director of Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, and Summer Miller is the new budget and fiscal manager.
“Effective change in government begins with listening to those we serve,” Commissioner Carolina Mejia said in the release. “Understanding their needs, and continuously evolving to meet those needs with greater efficiency and care is my goal, and a goal of the board.”
Commissioner Emily Clouse added, “True success in county government is measured by the tangible benefits we deliver to Thurston County residents. Our community deserves a government that listens, responds, and actively removes barriers — Whether by improving access to services, ensuring fiscal responsibility, or expanding opportunities that allow everyone to thrive.”
“True progress in government comes from aligning our organizational changes with the aspirations of the community,” said Commissioner Rachel Grant. “Our goal is to build more responsive and accountable public services that our community can trust.”
To learn more about the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners, visit https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/board-county-commissioners.
