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OLYMPIA — Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Cindy Kay as Washington’s new executive director of the Board of Accountancy. Kay, a Certified Public Accountant, will lead the Board following more than 15 years of work in state government and more than 20 years in the private sector.

Most recently, Kay served for one year as a Board of Accountancy board member, contributing to regulatory oversight and policy advancement. She is also the co-chair of the Washington State Financial Management Advisory Council and has served as president of the Washington State Association of Government Accountants. 

“Cindy Kay’s passion for accounting, longtime experience and commitment to public service will make her an excellent executive director,” Governor Ferguson said.

“Serving on the Board of Accountancy has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I am inspired by the opportunity to lead an agency that plays such a vital role in maintaining public trust and professional excellence,” Kay said.

Kay grew up in the Pacific Northwest. She began her accounting career in Tucson, Ariz. with a Big Five accounting firm, followed by six years at a smaller CPA firm in Washington, where she honed her expertise in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) compliance and fraud accounting. She later transitioned into the private sector, serving within high-level financial reporting, budgeting and internal controls roles at various publicly traded companies.

Kay then transitioned to public service, joining the Washington State Department of Transportation with her most recent role as the director of the Accounting and Financial Services Division.

Kay earned a bachelor’s degree in business management with an emphasis in accounting at Saint Martin’s University in Lacey.

President issues new tariff threats daily that will continue to wreak havoc on Washington’s economy

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson issued the following statement today on President Trump’s recent tariff announcements, including new tariffs currently set to begin on Aug. 1:

“The escalating and illegal tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration represent a direct threat to affordability, economic stability and prosperity for Washington’s families, businesses and our communities.

“Washington is one of the most trade-dependent states in the nation. We are already seeing the impacts of this reckless trade agenda — businesses unable to plan for the future, global partners expressing concern and working families facing rising prices on everything from vehicles to appliances. Now, with 50% tariffs on key imports like steel, aluminum and copper, and sweeping reciprocal tariffs of up to 50% hitting dozens of trading partners starting Aug. 1, the cost of the president’s devastating trade war is only escalating.

“Washington is already shouldering disturbing economic impacts from the administration’s chaotic policy. Traffic at our ports is down. Our agricultural industry — a cornerstone of Washington’s economy — has seen a steep drop in shipments. Longstanding trade relationships are fraying. Costs for business are increasing while our global market is shrinking. These are not abstractions — these declines will lead to lost jobs and dampened economic momentum for our region.

“Our economic stability is being damaged by the whims of the president’s politically motivated, unilateral tariffs. I will do everything in my power to help businesses and workers navigate these destructive tariffs. While we are not completely powerless, ultimately the president must end his senseless trade war. Our economy hangs in the balance.”

Washington economic impacts

Washington has already seen devastating impacts from the president’s chaotic trade war. According to data from the Northwest Seaport Alliance, international imports were down 16.3% in June compared to the previous year. Truck transactions at our state’s ports were down more than 20%.

Washington’s agricultural export market — valued at $7.6 billion in 2024 — saw shipments to China, one of our largest trading partners fall 36% in May compared to 2024.

Governor Ferguson’s actions to combat federal trade policies

In May, Governor Ferguson led a coalition of 24 public and private partners to file an amicus brief supporting a multistate lawsuit to block the Trump Administration’s illegal tariffs. Ferguson and the partners argued that the “unlawful, arbitrary, and ever-changing tariff policy” is causing wide-ranging, significant and disproportionate harm in Washington state — one of the most trade-dependent states in the country.

State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti, state legislators the mayors of Seattle and Spokane, five labor unions, the Washington Economic Development Association and other business and economic development interests joined Governor Ferguson to file the brief.

That same month, he held a press conference with dock workers, truckers, Port of Seattle leaders and others to talk about the impacts of the administration’s chaotic policies. His Commerce Department also published a Tariff Information and Resource Guide to help Washingtonians track the latest tariff developments. Businesses can also request one-on-one guidance from Commerce staff.

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OLYMPIA — Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Matt Jones as Washington’s new director of the Department of Enterprise Services (DES).

Jones, serving as acting director since Jan. 15, will lead DES following 18 years in various divisions across the agency, from operations to policy. He previously served as the agency’s interim chief operations officer.

“Matt’s extensive knowledge of the Department of Enterprise Services made him a clear choice to lead the agency,” Governor Ferguson said. “His 18 years of experience at DES will serve Washingtonians well.”

“I am honored to have the trust and confidence of Governor Ferguson and look forward to serving the people of Washington as the director of DES,” Jones said. “As we continue to build the foundation of this agency to support the state enterprise, we need to strengthen the business of government, and ensure services are funneled to communities across the state. Areas of critical focus at DES are supporting small businesses, stewardship of the capitol campus and being effective business partners to state agencies, enabling the state to provide efficient services to the people of Washington.”

During his 18-year public service career at DES, Jones also served as the assistant director of capitol security and visitor services, supporting stewardship on the capitol campus.

Prior to state service, Jones worked in the information technology sector for the Olympia School District and several Fortune 100 companies, including Nike, IBM Global Services and Russell Investments. Jones grew up in the suburbs of Portland and spent significant portions of his upbringing and adult life in the Olympia area.

Jones is also an avid outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys paddleboarding, rock hounding and traveling with his family.  

Jones attended Pacific Lutheran University.

OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson issued the following statement after an accident on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge resulted in a tanker truck overturning and spilling petroleum in Indian Creek:

“This is a devastating accident for Indian Creek and the Elwha River. This spill is nothing short of heartbreaking for local tribes and other Washingtonians who rely on clean, healthy rivers and streams for their food and livelihoods. I am closely monitoring the situation with responding agencies — including its impact on local salmon populations —and will visit the site in the next few days.”

The petroleum tanker truck came to rest upside down in Indian Creek leaking petroleum after the accident Friday on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge just west of Port Angeles. Washington State Patrol the Department of Ecology and the Department of Transportation, in addition to local fire and tribal partners, are responding to the accident. State agencies are also coordinating with the Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam and Makah tribes, as well as the Olympic National Park, US Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and the Department of Fish & Wildlife.

PORT ANGELES – Governor Bob Ferguson today visited the site of an accident on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge that resulted in a tanker truck overturning and spilling petroleum in Indian Creek. The creek feeds into the Elwha River.

Governor Ferguson was joined by U.S. Representative Emily Randall, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Chair Frances Charles, Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller, other elected leaders and incident command officials at the site of the accident today. Video and photos of today’s visit are available here: https://ofmwagov.app.box.com/s/8w9thuszjy50h92qs7tz8yzvsl4cjuxr.

The most immediate concern now is the drinking water for the City of Port Angeles. The Elwha River feeds the well that provides drinking water to the Port Angeles area. Out of an abundance of caution, city water customers are under a “Do Not Drink” order pending testing to confirm the water is safe. For up-to-date drinking water information visit https://www.cityofpa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1873.

“There’s no question this accident is a serious incident, and it will take time to understand the full impact,” Ferguson said. “So much investment has gone into this area, especially supporting fish restoration. This is a setback, but it could have been far worse. It’s largely because of the immediate response by so many levels of government, organizations and individuals that we were able to quickly contain the spill and prevent further damage. That’s what the people expect — to see different levels of government coordinating with tribes, individuals and organizations to respond quickly. That’s certainly been the case here.”

The petroleum tanker truck came to rest upside down in Indian Creek leaking petroleum after the accident Friday on Highway 101 near the Elwha River Bridge just west of Port Angeles. Washington State Patrol, the Department of Ecology and the Department of Transportation, in addition to local fire and tribal partners, responded to the accident. State agencies are coordinating with the Lower Elwha Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam and Makah tribes, as well as the Olympic National Park, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and the Department of Fish & Wildlife as containment and cleanup operations continue.

More information can be found on the Department of Ecology’s incident page: https://ecology.wa.gov/spills-cleanup/spills/spill-preparedness-response/responding-to-spill-incidents/spill-incidents/tanker-truck-spill-into-indian-creek.