Policy Advisors

Policy advisors work closely with stakeholders, constituents, legislators and state and local government agencies to develop policy initiatives in support of the Governor's agenda.

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Contact Information and Portfolios

Federal Policy

 

Nathan Bays Deputy Policy Director Federal Policy nathan.bays@gov.wa.gov

Biography Before graduating from law school in 2008, Nathan taught secondary school for the Peace Corps in Malawi. Following law school, Nathan clerked for two federal judges and since then has worked as a frontline public defender for the King County Department of Public Defense; as special counsel overseeing DPD's policy work and affirmative litigation; and, most recently, as Section Chief for the Complex Litigation Division of the Washington Attorney General's Office, where he received the Attorney General’s Award for Excellence. Nathan has represented pro bono clients for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project; the King County Housing Justice Project; the King County Kinship Care Solutions Project; the WDWA’s Drug Reentry Alternative Model (DREAM) Program; and Swords to Plowshares. Nathan was recently featured on NPR's Lost Patients podcast discussing his experiences as a public defender handling civil commitment cases, and he currently serves as a board member for Evergreen Treatment Services.

Federal, State, International Affairs

Rose Minor Director Federal & Interstate Affairs rose.minor@gov.wa.gov

Biography Rose Minor currently serves as Director of Federal and Interstate Affairs in Governor Bob Ferguson’s Washington, D.C. Office. Before becoming Director, she served as a Senior Specialist and Deputy Director in the same office. Rose began her state government career in Virginia, where she served in former Governor Ralph Northam’s administration under the Secretaries of Education and the Commonwealth, respectively. As an Outreach Director for the Commonwealth, Rose worked to establish the Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board – the first state level LGBTQ+ board in the South. Before working in state government, Rose worked as a substitute teacher for Richmond Public Schools, served as an Emergency Humanitarian Officer in Lesvos, Greece, and led summer food preservation workshops in Khatlon, Tajikistan with women farmers and families. Rose earned a B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences and an M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies from George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs.

Carol Albert Special Assistant Federal Funding carol.albert@gov.wa.gov

Biography Carol Albert currently serves as the Senior Advisor, Federal Funding to Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson. Previously, Carol held key positions in state government, including Senior Advisor, Federal Funding for Governor Jay Inslee, Director of External Affairs for Governor Chris Gregoire and advisor to the Assistant Secretary, Economic Services Administration at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Carol has also contributed to the federal government as a Legislative Correspondent for US Congressman Obey in D.C., and as Outreach and Grants Manager for U.S. Senator Patty Murray. As an independent consultant, she drove initiatives spanning clean-energy, education, public health, and tax policy issues. She also served as U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s campaign manager and senior political advisor for over a decade and was the Washington State Director of Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign. A native of eastern Washington, she resides in Seattle and is a graduate of the University of Washington.

Geoffrey Potter Special Assistant International Trade and Protocol geoff.potter@gov.wa.gov

Biography Geoffrey Potter is the Director of International Relations and Protocol in the Office of the Governor, where he has served since 2020. Prior to joining the Governor's Office, Geoff was Debate Director for the Inslee for America Campaign, Operations Director for the China Ocean Institute, and, for five years, Director of Programs and Policy for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. He has held numerous positions with political campaigns across the country, including Senator Patty Murray, and then-Senator Hillary Clinton. He holds a Master's Degree in International Affairs from the University of Washington and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Syracuse University. Currently living in Seattle, he originally hails from Connecticut.

Rob Dennison Specialist State & Federal Affairs rob.dennison@gov.wa.gov

Biography Rob serves as a State-Federal Affairs Aide for Governor Bob Ferguson, based in Washington D.C. In this role, he plays a pivotal part in representing the state government to the congressional delegation and federal administration, advocating for Washington’s priorities. He joined the Governor’s Office in July 2024. Originally from New Jersey, Rob gained valuable experience through internships at both the state and federal levels, including with the Commissioner of Labor and his hometown congressman, then-Representative Andy Kim. Rob is a graduate from George Washington University, with a degree in international affairs with a concentration in economics. His frequent visits with his grandparents in the DMV area, often exploring Washington, D.C., sparked his early interest in government and public service.

Healthcare, Housing, Public Safety

 

David Frockt Deputy Policy Director Healthcare, Housing, Public Safety david.frockt@gov.wa.gov

Biography David Frockt served in the Washington State Senate from 2011 to 2023, representing North Seattle and surrounding suburbs. Over his career, Senator Frockt served in Caucus and Committee leadership in a variety of positions including as Deputy Leader, Vice Chair Senate Ways & Means Committee and Vice Chair Senate Health Committee.  During his tenure, Senator Frockt passed legislation across a variety of policy areas including environment, health care, higher education, and gun violence.  David holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and a JD from the UCLA School of Law.  He previously served as a Congressional Aide in the US House of Representatives before moving to Seattle where he practiced law for thirteen years prior to joining the legislature. After his retirement from the Senate in 2023, Frockt began a public policy consulting practice and worked with clients on state budget issues and artificial intelligence policy.

Caitlin Safford Senior Policy Advisor Healthcare, Public Health, Behavioral Health caitlin.safford@gov.wa.gov

Biography Caitlin Safford is a proven leader in health system strategy and execution, with over fifteen years of experience in advocating for and implementing state and federal policy into practice. She has a deep expertise in Medicaid programs and has worked across all operational levels, from state agency implementations to frontline health plan operations. Most recently, Caitlin served as the Senior Policy Director at the Washington State Hospital Association, where she developed and executed strategies related to hospital and payer relationships, and in complex discharge. Prior to that position, she was the Chief of Staff at Wellpoint Washington, overseeing the health plan's strategic and operational initiatives, including behavioral health operations and Medicaid Waiver implementations. Caitlin holds a Master’s degree in Health Administration from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the same institution.

Taku Mineshita Senior Policy Advisor Difficult to Discharge taku.mineshita@gov.wa.gov

Biography Taku Mineshita is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience advancing integrated systems of care for children, youth, and families. He began his career in Washington State, working nearly a decade in an intensive inpatient psychiatric treatment program for children and youth, gaining expertise in supporting those with complex behavioral and developmental health needs. As the Children and Youth Multi-System Care Project Director in the Office of the Governor, he led a cross-agency team to address systemic challenges and support youth and families with complex needs, improving outcomes statewide. Previously, as Director of Integrated System of Care and the Division of Adolescent Programs at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Taku oversaw expansive programs spanning health, behavioral health, developmental services, housing, education, and youth development. He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and is committed to equity-driven innovation, dedicated to building collaborative, human-centered systems that empower communities and support Washingtonians.

Nicholas Carr Senior Policy Advisor Housing nicholas.carr@gov.wa.gov

Biography Nicholas Carr brings more than a decade of experience in government relations, policy, project development, and community engagement to Governor Ferguson’s office. For the past two and a half years he has been the Intergovernmental Affairs Manager for Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) – responsible for the agency’s local, state, and federal advocacy, community engagement, and management of innovative partnerships.

 

Grace Huang Senior Policy Advisor Civil Rights, Human Services grace.huang@gov.wa.gov

Biography Grace Huang, J.D. is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law and has spent her career working to address the needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence, immigrants and refugees, and low-income families. Most recently her work has focused on advancing federal policy to support survivors of gender-based violence in Asian American and Pacific Islander Communities. She is also a former legal services lawyer, attorney in private immigration law practice, and policy advocate at a statewide domestic violence coalition. Ms. Huang also served as a White House appointed Commissioner on the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.   Ms. Huang is the recipient of several awards,  including an American Bar Association Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence 20/20 Vision award in 2015, induction in the University of Washington School of Law Public Interest Law Association Hall of Fame in 2008, the Washington State Bar Family Law Section “Professional” of the year award in 2005,  and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project "Golden Door Award" in 1999 for her advocacy on behalf of immigrant survivors of gender-based violence.

Nathan Olson Senior Policy Advisor Public Safety nathan.olson@gov.wa.gov

Biography Nathan Olson is excited to join the Governor’s Office as a policy advisor after serving as a prosecutor throughout his career. Graduating New York University law school after attending Whitman College as an undergraduate, Nathan began his career as a prosecutor in Thurston County, working primarily on domestic violence cases. Moving to the Attorney General’s Office as an assistant attorney general, Nathan prosecuted sexually violent predator cases and served as a legislative fellow during the 2024 legislative session. Nathan was inspired to pursue his career in public service by his grandfather, who served as a Pierce County Sheriff Special Deputy from 1970 to 1979.

Childcare, Education, Workforce, Labor

Heather Hudson Deputy Policy Director Childcare, Education, and Workforce heather.hudson@gov.wa.gov

Biography Heather Hudson was previously Director of External Affairs at the Washington Student Achievement Council leading efforts to increase postsecondary attainment and close equity gaps. Prior to that she was the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Governor's Workforce Board and a Policy Advisor on K12, higher education and economic development to former Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. Heather lives in Tacoma with her husband and two daughters.

Patricia Loera Senior Policy Advisor Higher Education patricia.loera@gov.wa.gov

Biography Patricia Loera built a career of service through education (both K-12 and higher education), philanthropy, national policy advocacy, and law with a singular focus to increase educational opportunities for all students. For over nine years, Patricia served as Associate Vice President with the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) at the University of Washington leading college access initiatives to expand pathways to and through college. Prior to joining the UW, Patricia worked at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a senior program officer leading national efforts to champion college readiness and empower educators to improve student outcomes. She also worked in Washington, DC as a legislative staff attorney for the Mexican American Legal Defense & Educational Fund (MALDEF) and legislative director for the National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE). Patricia also served as an assistant attorney general with the Washington State Office of the Attorney General. A proud graduate from Sunnyside High School in the lower Yakima Valley, she is the first in her family to graduate from college (CWU) and law school (UW).

Jenny Choi Senior Policy Advisor K-12 jenny.choi@gov.wa.gov

Biography Jenny Choi (she/her) is a dedicated education policy advisor with almost a decade of experience in Washington and New York. Most recently, she developed policies for the universal Seattle Preschool Program at the City of Seattle’s Department of Education and Early Learning. Previously, at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction's Bilingual Education department, she worked with K-12 schools and stakeholders on closing the opportunity gap for students who qualify for English language development services. She was also an instructor for The Future Bilingual Teacher Fellows program administered through Western Washington University and Highline School District. After graduating from the University of Washington her passion for teaching led her to work for the Department of Education in South Korea for two years. Living as a bilingual expat in Korea allowed her to explore both Korean and Western cultural identities. This inspired her to pursue her M.A. in International Education at New York University. Born in the Bronx, Jenny is a long-time Washington resident and considers Seattle home. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two and a half year old son, cooking, and reading fiction.

Mary Sprute Garlant Senior Policy Advisor Child Welfare mary.sprutegarlant@gov.wa.gov

Biography Previously, Mary was a Senior Policy Advisor with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families where she furthered the Department's legislative agenda by developing policy and funding requests and worked in partnership with advocates, lawmakers and community members. Mary holds experience in government systems, philanthropy, and non-profit organizations with a focus on child welfare, early childhood, and adolescent issues. Mary resides in Seattle with her husband and daughter.

Beau Perschbacher Policy Advisor Commerce, Economic Development beau.perschbacher@gov.wa.gov

Biography Beau Perschbacher is the Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Bob Ferguson for economic development and general government policy. He has over 15 years of expertise in state policy development, including tax incentive design, licensing reform, and employment initiatives. Most recently, Beau served as the Legislative and Policy Director at the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), where he led major policy reforms and was part of the executive leadership team. He has also held roles at the Washington Department of Revenue, the Employment Security Department, and the Washington State Senate, and served as an ex-officio member of the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB). Beau holds an MBA in Finance from Washington State University (WSU).

Dawn Gearhart Senior Policy Advisor Labor dawn.gearhart@gov.wa.gov

Biography Dawn Gearhart is a seasoned labor strategist and advocate with over 16 years of experience, including a significant focus on advancing policies and collective bargaining efforts in Washington State. Now serving as a Senior Policy Advisor with a focus on labor, Dawn brings unique experience of developing innovative campaigns, securing legislative victories, and building coalitions to empower working people. In Seattle, Dawn led efforts to secure collective bargaining rights for gig workers. She also served as a trusted advisor to policymakers, providing high-level policy analysis in complex negotiations with corporations and government. In 2015, she was awarded The Washington State Labor Council’s Elsie Schrader Award for outstanding advocacy on behalf of working families. Nationally, Dawn served as Gig Economy Organizing Director at the National Domestic Workers Alliance, where she helped domestic workers secure the first-ever negotiated agreement for platform workers, achieving paid time off, a living wage, and worker voice. Dawn also contributed to global labor policy through her work at the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Geneva, analyzing labor market data and supporting comprehensive research initiatives. Through her work organizing content moderators, drivers, and domestic workers, Dawn has developed expertise in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Technology and the workplace. A graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations, Dawn continues to develop policy solutions that benefit Washington’s workers and communities.

Environment, Transportation, Infrastructure

Kenneth Martin Deputy Policy Director Environment, Transportation, and Infrastructure kenneth.martin@gov.wa.gov

Biography Kenneth most recently served as Director of the American Indian Environmental Office at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Appointed by President Biden, this office leads the Agency’s effort to protect human health and the environment in Indian Country. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris Administration, Kenneth served for six years as Senior Policy Advisor on the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works covering infrastructure and environmental issues. Before serving on the Senate EPW Committee, he was appointed by President Obama to be the first-ever Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Before joining he the Obama-Biden Administration, he served for several years on the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs under Chairwoman Maria Cantwell and Chairman Jon Tester. Kenneth began his career in 2004 in the personal office of U.S. Senator Tim Johnson. Kenneth studied Political Science at the University of Wisconsin Madison. He is a member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and grew up on the Menominee Indian Reservation, where he is a descendent.

Owen Rowe Senior Policy Advisor Natural Resources owen.rowe@gov.wa.gov

Biography Owen grew up in Central Seattle and is a proud graduate of Garfield High School. Owen has worked closely with the legislature throughout his 20-year career with the state of Washington, beginning as committee staff for the House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee. At the House, he worked with general government agencies to develop the operating budget before gaining the opportunity to work with the state’s natural resource agencies. Owen went on to serve as the Budget Officer for the Department of Fish and Wildlife, overseeing the management and development of the agency’s operating budget. In 2015, he received the Director’s Award for Outstanding Leadership in Budget Development and Communication. Owen spent the past six years serving as the Policy and Governmental Affairs Director for the State Parks and Recreation Commission. There he enjoyed the opportunity to support the stewardship of our incredible state park system and outdoor recreation access for the people of Washington. Owen has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Seattle University and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy from Western Washington University. He resides in Olympia with his partner Ann, and they enjoy hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and traveling.

Kate Brouns Senior Policy Advisor Climate, Energy kate.brouns@gov.wa.gov

Biography Kate Brouns  recently managed Washington clean energy policy for the 501(c)(3) Renewable Northwest, where she worked to advance the socially and environmentally responsible buildout of utility-scale clean energy projects and transmission statewide. In 2024, she was selected to be a Fellow with the Clean Energy Leadership Institute. Previously, Kate worked on physical environment budgeting at King County and consulted the Washington Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on regulatory efficiency. Before living in Washington, she spent three years in Massachusetts managing author events and Science Book Talks at Harvard Book Store. Her passion lies at the intersection of communication, collaboration, science, and environmentalism; her role bridges these interests, using data-driven policy to transition towards a cleaner Washington. Kate holds a Master of Public Administration with a focus in environmental policy from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. She holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from Hamilton College.

Megan Cotton Senior Policy Advisor Transportation megan.cotton@gov.wa.gov

Biography Megan Cotton serves as Governor Ferguson's Senior Policy Advisor on transportation issues, a role she’s held since May 2024.   She manages a broad portfolio including close coordination with the Washington State Department of Transportation, Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, and Washington Traffic Safety Commission, among others.  With over 20 years of experience in transportation issues, Megan previously worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation focusing on tribal, federal, and state relations in support of a sustainable and equitable multimodal transportation system that serves all Washingtonians.  During her time with WSDOT, she negotiated intergovernmental agreements, built relationships related to new highways, bridges, and multimodal facilities; worked to maintain infrastructure affected by extreme climate events and the agency’s first-of-its-kind fish passage barrier removal program.  Megan is a citizen of the Snoqualmie Tribe and has a bachelor’s degree in Native American studies and a master’s degree in public administration, both from The Evergreen State College. In her free time, Megan loves to travel and adventuring outdoors with her family.

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Joe Impecoven Special Assistant Outdoor Recreation joe.impecoven@gov.wa.gov

Biography Born in South Dakota, and raised in Arizona with a deep connection to the outdoors through my family’s work in scouting and community service, I have spent my career advancing outdoor recreation and community engagement. My mother, who has worked for Boeing for over 30 years, and my father, an Executive for the Boy Scouts of America, both instilled in me a strong work ethic and love for the outdoors. During my 12 years with REI, I held roles in philanthropy, advocacy, community engagement, marketing, guided experiences, and business development, championing initiatives that expanded access to outdoor experiences and supported environmental stewardship. Most recently, as Recreation Policy Program Manager for the Snoqualmie Tribe, I worked to align tribal recreation policies with cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. These experiences have shaped my commitment to leveraging outdoor recreation as a tool for community building, economic development, and environmental impact, which I now bring to my role as Special Assistant to the Governor of Washington, overseeing outdoor recreation initiatives.