Interim Commissioner Martin McMurry
Martin McMurry was named Interim Commissioner at Employment Security Department in August 2026. He previously served as the agency’s Chief Operating Officer, a position he held since 2025. In that role, he oversaw the Human Resources; Financial Services; Administrative Services; and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion teams.
Martin (he/him) is a people-centered and mission-driven leader who has over 25 years in state government, including 6 at Employment Security (2009-15) when he previously served as a policy analyst and budget manager. After leaving Employment Security, Martin worked for nearly eight years at the Department of Commerce as its budget director, chief financial officer and finally their Chief Operating Officer.
Martin is deeply committed to our mission and honored to work alongside those shaping a brighter future for Washington residents.
“It’s an honor to serve as interim commissioner of the Employment Security Department,” McMurry said. “Our agency helps the people of Washington every day, often during the most trying times in their lives. We’ll continue to be here when people need us, whether it’s through unemployment and paid leave benefits, or help finding a job.”
McMurry has a long family history with Employment Security. His late father, Albert, worked at the agency nearly 15 years in the 1980s and 1990s.
Invite Interim Commissioner Martin McMurry to an event.