OLYMPIA — On Mar. 10, the Washington State Senate voted to confirm Cami Feek’s appointment as Commissioner of Employment Security Department (ESD). Gov. Jay Inslee named Feek commissioner of ESD in June 2021, when she was serving as acting commissioner for a second time. Feek first served as acting commissioner in 2018 and has provided leadership to ESD as deputy commissioner and chief operating officer over the past three years.  

“I’m honored by the Legislature’s confirmation and thankful for the opportunity to continue serving in this role,” said Feek. “Having served as both acting and deputy commissioner throughout the course of the pandemic, I’m keenly aware of the agency’s challenges and its potential for success. I’m eager to build on the progress we’ve made to better serve Washington workers and employers.”  

In floor remarks, the chair and ranking member for the Senate Labor, Commerce & Tribal Affairs Committee spoke in support of Commissioner Feek’s appointment. Sen. Karen Kaiser noted improvements under Feek’s leadership, saying “Since appointed, I’ve found her communications style and the communications information provided by the department to have greatly improved for the benefit of all.” Sen. Curtis King highlighted Feek’s commitment, saying “She’s confirmed to me that she wants the agency to be open, to be transparent, to be accountable. I’m willing to give her that opportunity.”  

Commissioner Feek’s public service career began 26 years ago with a position in the Department of General Administration’s mailroom, now known as Department of Enterprise Services. After holding positions of increasing responsibility and leadership there, she left to serve at the Attorney General’s Office before joining ESD in 2017 as the first program director of the newly developed Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Feek earned her bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College where she also earned a four-year varsity letter in soccer.