Lynda Nashed Zeman intends to bring transparency, fairness and people-centered leadership to the Thurston County Assessor’s Office.
“I’m running to bring strong leadership and management to the office; supporting the people doing the work and making sure taxpayers receive accurate, timely, and respectful service,” Nashed Zeman said.
With longtime Thurston County Assessor Steven Drew retiring at the end of 2026 after 16 years as the elected assessor, the Thurston County Assessor’s Office is guaranteed to undergo a leadership transition in the new year.
The office is also undergoing other changes, including workforce transitions, changing technology, a growing county population and dwindling budgetary resources.
“Those issues require long-term planning, not short-term fixes,” Zeman said.
She believes she’s the right person to spearhead that planning effort.
Zeman has three years’ experience in executive administration within the assessor’s office, experience she has built upon through the International Association of Assessing Officers.
Through that organization, Zeman has completed coursework toward the assessment administration specialist designation, and serves as the regional chapter’s vice president.
“I valued my time in the assessor’s office and gained a real appreciation for the people and the complexity of the work. I’ve continued my assessment education because it’s work I care about,” Zeman said.
She also intends to draw on her experience providing executive administration to the chair of the Thurston County Board of Commissioners, serving on the Lacey City Council, and owning a small business.
Zeman said those experiences “have taught me how to lead through change, build strong teams, manage resources responsibly, and plan for the long term.”
If elected, Zeman said she intends to “listen to the people closest to the work, identify where systems can improve, and invest resources where they make the greatest difference. Taxpayers should see the result in accurate assessments, timely answers, and reliable service.”
She also hopes to expand the assessor’s office’s work in the community, establishing a presence at libraries, senior centers and community events to make it easier for constituents to get information.
That greater community presence will make it “easier for people to ask questions, understand their assessments, and learn about tax relief programs they may qualify for,” Zeman said.
For more information about Zeman’s campaign, visit https://www.lyndaforthurston.com/.
To learn more about Zeman’s opponent, JJ Olson, visit https://tinyurl.com/5c2chw29.
