Gov. Jay Inslee today announced he is appointing David Postman as his chief of staff effective Dec. 14. Postman has served as Inslee’s executive director of communications since the start of the governor’s term in 2013.
Joby Shimomura, Inslee’s current chief of staff, is stepping down to resume her work as a glass artist. Shimomura, who has served Inslee in multiple capacities since 1996, previously had a glass studio in Seattle’s Pioneer Square. She worked for Inslee as his congressional chief of staff for six years and managed several of his campaigns.
Shimomura will transition to an advisory role until early January.
“Joby has been a long-time trusted partner in my work to create jobs, improve our state’s schools and move the ball forward on important issues such as marriage equality, income inequality and fighting carbon pollution,” Inslee said. “She has provided steady leadership to my administration and I wish her all the best as she enjoys some much-deserved time back in her studio with her art.”
Inslee also announced that Jaime Smith, his current deputy director of communications, will replace Postman as executive director of communications. Smith has served as the deputy communications director since Inslee took office. She was a member of Inslee’s 2012 campaign team and worked for the House Democratic Caucus as a policy and communications specialist.
Before joining the administration, Postman served as a senior director at Vulcan Inc., the company headed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Postman has a 26-year career as an award-winning journalist in Oregon, Alaska and Washington, including 14 years working as a political reporter for The Seattle Times.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished the past three years, including historic new investments in early learning and K-12 education, a growing economy, and bipartisan passage of important investments in our transportation system,” Inslee said.
“David played valuable roles in those efforts and he has become a trusted adviser. He is a talented and passionate public servant, and I am confident he will work tirelessly to keep us focused on building a working Washington.”