Drewel calls his new job a dream

Snohomish County Executive Bob Drewel will take over as the new executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council, a four-county planning agency that tackles transportation, growth and other issues.

The agency’s executive board unanimously voted to hire Drewel Thursday at the group’s meeting in Seattle. He will be paid $160,000 a year.

Drewel will replace outgoing executive director Mary McCumber, who is retiring. McCumber has been director of the council since it was formed in 1991.

The regional council coordinates growth and transportation planning in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

The agency has a staff of about 50 and a biennial budget of roughly $17 million. The council controls the annual distribution of about $100 million in federal highway and transit funds, and also supports the region’s Economic Development District.

"It is a wonderful opportunity. It’s just a splendid, splendid thing," Drewel said.

He recalled a recent conversation with Navy Capt. Dan Squires, commander of Naval Station Everett, when the two talked about "dream sheets." Sailors put the places where they would most like to serve on such wish lists.

Drewel said his new job would be on his.

"If you filled out a dream sheet, this job would be at the top," he said.

Drewel has been Snohomish County executive for 12 years. He could not seek re-election last month because of term limits in the county charter.

Leaders across the state praised the regional council’s decision.

"Bob Drewel will be a fantastic executive director of the Puget Sound Regional Council," U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a statement after Drewel was hired.

"He is a patient, effective and determined leader who brings people together to get the job done," Murray said.

"His experience in transportation and economic development make him the perfect person to lead such an important regional agency. I look forward to continuing to work with Bob to help make progress for the people who live and work in the Puget Sound."

Drewel will start work at the regional council in January.

He said he was looking forward to working with the agency’s staff, a group he called remarkable. But Drewel quickly added that he had been blessed to have an impressive staff serve him as county executive.

"No one person does something like this. It’s just been a remarkable team effort in Snohomish County," Drewel said.

Drewel was president of Everett Community College before he took over as county executive. He lives in Arlington with his wife, Cheryl. The couple have two grown daughters.

Reporter Brian Kelly: 425-339-3422 or kelly@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Snohomish County Health Department Director Dennis Worsham on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Health Department director tapped as WA health secretary

Dennis Worsham became the first director of the county health department in January 2023. His last day will be July 3.

Rick Steves launches $1M match challenge for Lynnwood Neighborhood Center

The $64.5 million Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will house several community spaces and partner with local nonprofits.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Snohomish County Council denies latest Eastview Village appeal

Council members affirmed previous approvals of the development planned off Cathcart Way near Highway 9.

Everett
Everett police: Man sold drugs to woman prior to fatal overdose

The man, who faces a charge under the state’s controlled substance homicide law, remains in Snohomish County Jail on more than $1M bond.

Missing Marysville boy, 10, found safe and sound

Police said the boy was last seen Sunday morning before leaving to go for a run at a nearby middle school.

Red tape hangs in the front of the entrance to a burned down Center for Human Services building along 204th Street on Monday, July 7, 2025 in Lynnwood, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood fire destroys behavioral health nonprofit building

The cause of the fire is under investigation. The building housed an intensive mental health support program for youth and families.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.