Thurston County announced the appointment of three key leadership positions within the organization. Summer Miller was formally appointed as the budget and fiscal manager in the commissioners office; Ashley Arai was appointed as the director of community planning and economic development (CPED); and Dr. Jennifer Freiheit has been named the new director of public health and social services.
“We are excited to announce the appointment of these three exceptional people to leadership positions within Thurston County,” County Manager Leonard Hernandez said in a news release. “Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience and a passion for public service. I am confident that they will continue to make significant contributions to our organization and our community.”
According to the news release, Miller has extensive experience in financial management and a proven track record of success.
“Summer has stabilized the budget, created efficiencies and built financial systems that have put the department into a position of continued accuracy and forecasting,” Hernandez said in the release. “Her expertise and dedication will be invaluable to our organization.”
Arai replaces Joshua Cummings as the CPED director, as Cummings will replace Robin Campbell as the assistant county manager at the end of the year. Arai has a diverse background in land-use planning and a commitment to community development, according to the release.
“Ashley’s extensive land-use planning experience will be instrumental in balancing the needs of our community,” Hernandez said in the release.
Freheit has over 20 years of industry experience and a deep understanding of the department’s operations, Hernandez said.
“Jen has proven herself to be a dedicated, collaborative leader,” he said. “Her expertise, communication and leadership skills will be instrumental as we work to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.”
