State Rep. Tana Senn would be the new head of the Division of Youngsters, Youth and Households.
Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson on Wednesday introduced Senn’s appointment to guide the company, which manages a number of early studying and baby welfare packages. It is usually answerable for the state’s juvenile detention facilities.
Senn takes over for director Ross Hunter who has been underneath fireplace previously yr over his administration of the company. Lawmakers referred to as for Hunter to step down in July. Round that point, the division confronted criticism over its choice to droop intakes at two state juvenile detention amenities because of overcrowding.
Senn, a Democrat from Mercer Island, has served within the state Legislature since 2013. Her work has targeted on enhancing schooling and growing entry to baby care and youth psychological well being providers. She helped craft the Truthful Begin for Children Act, which handed in 2021 and made file investments into baby care and early studying.
“Supporting kids and families has been a longstanding priority of mine,” Senn mentioned in a press release. “After more than a decade of shaping policy in this critical space, I am honored to be asked to serve as secretary of the Department of Children, Youth and Families and look forward to creating direct, meaningful impact for our most vulnerable communities.”
Within the Legislature, Senn has additionally labored on legal guidelines to shut gender wage gaps and require zero-emissions faculty buses in districts throughout the state.
Earlier than becoming a member of the Legislature, Senn labored in authorities relations and communications for 15 years. She has a bachelor’s diploma in schooling from Washington College in St. Louis and a grasp’s in public coverage and administration from Columbia College. She presently serves because the co-president of the Nationwide Affiliation of Jewish Legislators.
“Tana Senn is a well-respected, innovative leader on issues related to supporting Washington children and families,” Ferguson mentioned in a press release. “I am thrilled that she will serve as Director at DCYF and confident she will ensure this critical state agency works better for the kids and the families of our great state.”
Senn’s appointment begins Jan. 15. Her resignation from the Legislature will set off a substitute course of, with the King County Council giving last approval for one more Democrat to take her seat. The forty first Legislative District, which she represents, is a protected Democratic seat. She received reelection in November with 67% of the vote.