Drew Shirk Reappointed to Lead the Washington State Department of Revenue

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Dec. 23, 2024 – Governor-elect Bob Ferguson has announced the reappointment of Drew Shirk as the Director of the Washington State Department of Revenue. 

“I am honored to continue here at Revenue,” said Shirk. “It is my privilege to lead this agency. Our work is more important than ever, and I look forward to ensuring our state is the best it can be for all Washingtonians.” 

Previously appointed by Governor Jay Inslee in 2023, Drew brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this role. Before accepting the directorship at Revenue, Drew served as Executive Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Inslee from 2015 to 2023. In that capacity, he helped shape the Governor’s legislative agenda and worked closely with lawmakers to develop and pass legislative solutions to some of the state’s most pressing issues. 

His work with the Governor’s Office led to many legislative successes, including passage of the Climate Commitment Act, funding the Working Families Tax Credit, Capital Gains Excise Tax, and the Washington College Grant program. In addition, Drew tackled tough issues such as behavioral health, gun violence reduction, public safety, and civil rights, including the creation of the Office of Equity and police accountability measures. 

Before joining the Governor’s Office, Drew spent nearly 30 years at Revenue, starting out in the Compliance Division in 1989. He rose through the ranks, most recently serving as Senior Assistant Director for Tax Policy, where he led the Research and Fiscal Analysis, Legislation and Policy, and Administrative Hearings and Review divisions which are generally responsible for the agency’s tax policy development.  

A Wenatchee native, Drew earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington and attended Eastern Washington University’s Master of Public Administration program. In 2013, he received the Governor’s Leadership in Management Award. 

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