Paula J. Hammond
Paula J. Hammond reports to Governor Christine Gregoire and she manages the Washington State Department of Transportation, an agency of 7,200 employees that operates, maintains and builds the state highways and also runs the Washington State Ferry system, the nation’s largest. The leadership focus at WSDOT is on public accountability, project delivery, open communications with the public, and the quest for efficiency in the use of transportation facilities and in the agency’s own business practices.
Paula graduated from Oregon State University with a BS in Civil Engineering and is a Professional Engineer. In her 29 years with WSDOT, she has worked in all areas of the department’s capital delivery, operations and policy programs.
Prior to taking this position, Paula served as Chief of Staff for the Department of Transportation since April 2001. She served as adjunct to the Secretary; providing day-to-day leadership and oversight of the agency’s administration.
Boards and Associations:
- Transportation Improvement Board
- American Public Works Association
- National Research Council, Transportation Research Board’s Committee on Citizen Involvement in Transportation
- Women’s Transportation Seminar
- Soroptimist International of Olympia, Past President
- Pacific Education Institute
- Inducted into OSU Engineering Academy of Distinguished Engineers
Paula’s husband Alan is a Professional Land Surveyor. They have three children, Greg, Rachel, and Kerry.