OLYMPIA — Michael Fong, a regional administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration and former Snohomish County official, was named Wednesday as the next director of the state Department of Commerce.
Fong, a native of Spokane, has held the federal post since January 2022. Before that he worked for Snohomish County, overseeing its pandemic response and recovery effort. He also worked a stint as a senior deputy mayor for the City of Seattle.
“Mike has a wide breadth of experience managing major progressive economic development programs on behalf of Washingtonians, and building successful coalitions,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a press release. “He has the integrity and the skill set required to lead the Department of Commerce and to deliver on the agency’s expansive mission of strengthening communities.”
Though Fong worked less than a year for Snohomish County, he made a strong impression on his boss.
“Mike Fong has the rare ability to combine compassion and strong leadership in everything he does,” Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said in a statement. “He cares about all of our communities, both small and large, and wants to see families thrive. He is the leader Washington needs right now for the Department of Commerce.”
Fong replaces Lisa Brown, who left the post earlier this year and is now running for mayor of Spokane. He will begin work for the state May 8.
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623;
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
