Nonprofit and public sector executive search firm KEES is pleased to announce its new partnership with the Washington State Office of Governor Bob Ferguson in the search for the Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS is the foundational organization for human services in Washington State. It is the largest state department with over 20,000 positions with 19,638 allotted FTEs, spanning over 400 Washington General Service job classes, and operations primarily out of Olympia. In any given month, DSHS provides some type of shelter, care, protection and/or support to 2.4 million of the state’s 7.2 million people. The search will be led by KEES President and CEO Heather Eddy, alongside Project Manager Megan Taylor, with the KEES team offering valuable support and expertise.

The new Secretary will be appointed by the Governor and serve as a member of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet. This position will be a leader in the Ferguson Administration in ensuring for the delivery of human services across Washington and providing executive leadership, overall direction and strategic vision through the comprehensive administration, integration and coordination of services for vulnerable individuals and for families with economic, social or health needs.

“It is an honor to have been selected through a competitive process to lead the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) during this important period of transformation in the state of Washington,” said Heather Eddy, KEES President and CEO. “DSHS is critical in delivering essential economic, social, and health services, supporting individuals and families across the state. We are excited to begin this partnership.”

As a leading executive search firm, KEES specializes in filling top executive positions in the nonprofit and public sectors. With a strong track record of placing accomplished leaders across Washington State, KEES has refined a proven search process over two decades to meet each client’s unique needs. Past partnerships have helped secure top talent in Lacey, Olympia, Seattle, Spokane, Yakima, and the surrounding regions. This partnership draws on KEES’ expertise in working with organizations that provide essential services to foster healthy, safe, and empowered communities.

Confidential inquiries, candidate recommendations, and requests for additional information regarding the upcoming Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services search can be directed to Megan Taylor at mtaylor@kees2success.com. More details about this opportunity will be shared shortly.

About the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)

As a Department, DSHS is tied together by a single mission – to partner with people to access support, care, and resources. Their goal and commitment is to be a national leader in every aspect of client service. DSHS directly serves 1 in 3 Washingtonians, or 2.4 million individuals/family members per year, and accounts for approximately 18 percent of the state’s operating budget. DSHS uses those funds to carry out its mission by directly providing services to Washington residents who are in need as well as contracting with community providers for many services. To learn more, please visit www.dshs.wa.gov

About KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a nonprofit executive search firm that builds diverse teams with dynamic leaders in the nonprofit and public sectors. A woman-owned and operated firm, KEES offers a full array of nonprofit consulting services including executive search, leadership development, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.