OLYMPIA – The Washington Association of County Officials is pleased to announce the appointment of Timothy Grisham to the role of Deputy Director. Grisham has served as the organization’s Director of Communications since 2015.

Grisham brings a strong combination of communications and policy expertise, particularly in the areas of justice and public safety, having served as Communications Manager for the Washington State Board of Health, and as a legislative coordinator for both the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) and Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. His experience extends to investigatory work for DOC in custody and community release settings.

In the past five years, Tim has been an integral part of a team responsible for successful passage of twenty-two priority legislative proposals, and the defeat of many others. The Washington Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (WACME) stated that Grisham has been key to WACME’s successful legislative proposals in recent years by helping WACME “develop an approach that not only the legislature will understand, but also stakeholders and the public. We have watched him listen to the ideas of those on the front lines and use their experiences to formulate successful strategies”.

Former Secretary of State Sam Reed and State Senator Karen Fraser, who served with Grisham on the Olympia Arts & History Alliance said that Grisham’s work as a founding member “continues to serve as foundational” and that “he would be a highly valued member” of any organization.

Lewis County Assessor and WACO Immediate Past President Dianne Dorey and Mason County Treasurer and WACO Board of Trustees member Lisa Frazier served on the interview panel and were pleased with Grisham’s interest and commitment to growth and organizational leadership.

Grisham will work with WACO leadership to provide policy-level staffing assistance, including monitoring and tracking state legislative proposals and researching state and national policy trends affecting affiliate roles. In addition, the Deputy Director will manage administrative functions in absence of the Executive Director.

WACO Executive Director Jennifer Wallace stated, “Since I assumed the Interim Executive Director position in March, Tim has been an invaluable resource to me. He contributes a wealth of ideas and expertise and can be relied upon to always hold the interests and goals of the member first and foremost.”