Paula J. Hammond
Paula J. Hammond has dedicated her 28-year professional engineering career to the transportation system of Washington State. In her most recent position as Chief of Staff for the Department of Transportation, Paula served as adjunct to the Secretary; providing day-to-day leadership and oversight of the agency’s administration and communications, with major responsibilities in two areas:
- Primary responsibility for external agency relations, which includes the agency’s communications efforts with Tribes, state and local agencies, Transportation Commission, Governor’s Office, legislative leadership, congressional members and transportation interest groups.
- Assure that modal divisions have the capacity and strategies for advocacy of their modes, delivery of their programs, and close integration throughout the department. Modal divisions are Aviation, Highways & Local Programs, Public Transportation, Freight Systems and Rail.
View Governor Christine Gregoire's press release announcing Paula as Transportation Secretary.
Paula is a graduate of Oregon State University, with a BS in Civil Engineering and is a Professional Engineer. Since joining the Washington State Department of Transportation in 1979, she has worked in all areas of the department’s operations, capital delivery and policy programs.
Other positions held by Paula during her career include Assistant Secretary, Highways and Local Programs; Program Manager, Olympic Region; Transportation Planning Manager, Olympic Region; and, Transportation Engineer, Olympic Region.
Paula’s husband Alan is a Professional Land Surveyor. They have three children, Greg, Rachel, and Kerry.
Contact Information
Paula J. Hammond
Transportation Secretary
Washington State Department of Transportation
P.O. Box 47316
Olympia WA 98504-7316
Phone: 360-705-7027
E-mail: hammonp@wsdot.wa.gov