Robin Campbell, Thurston County assistant county manager, announced her retirement Friday, Aug. 23, after 41 years of public service with the state of Washington and the county. She will end her tenure with the county at the end of this year.
With her retirement, the county announced Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Director Joshua Cummings as the new assistant county manager. Cummings began his role as assistant county manager immediately to overlap with Campbell as she works toward her retirement, per a county news release.
“I want to give my utmost thanks to Robin as she begins to transition out of her role here at the county and into her next chapter of retirement,” Leonard Hernandez, Thurston County manager, said in the release. “Robin’s leadership and organizational knowledge will be missed greatly. Moving Josh into this role now allows for enough time for a transfer of knowledge, making this transition as smooth as possible for the county and staff. Josh has a proven record with the county of tackling tough issues, with a customer service oriented approach.”
Cummings will join Rob Gelder, assistant county manager, in overseeing the departments and internal services for the county.
Cummings announced Ashley Arai as the interim director for CPED while the search for a permanent director takes place.
“Ashley brings a depth of planning experience and a community-oriented demeanor that will serve her well in the role of interim director,” Cummings said in the release. “I look forward to her leadership of the department and will be available to support her during this transition.”
