PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – Kitsap County is pleased to announce the appointment of Kirsten M. Jewell, MPA, as Assistant County Administrator. Jewell brings more than 20 years of distinguished public service leadership, including extensive experience in Kitsap County government and recent service at the Washington State Department of Commerce.
"Kirsten's deep understanding of our community needs and her exceptional ability to build partnerships across all levels of government make her the perfect choice for this role," said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. "Her experience managing complex projects and her commitment to innovative solutions will be invaluable as we work together to address the challenges facing our County and continue moving forward on our shared priorities."
Most recently, Jewell served as Interim Housing Policy Director at the Washington State Department of Commerce, where she led the Policy and Strategic Initiatives Unit for the Housing Division. In this role, she supervised a high-performing team of five policy specialists and provided strategic leadership on complex, politically sensitive projects across state agencies. She guided statewide housing initiatives, developed legislative policy, and strengthened collaborative relationships with key partners including the Governor's Office, state legislators, and community organizations.
Prior to her state service, Jewell spent eight years as Manager of the Housing and Homelessness Division for Kitsap County's Department of Human Services, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar grant portfolios and partnered extensively with community partners to implement new housing programs and services in response to Commissioner priorities, evolving community needs, and new state requirements.
Jewell's earlier County experience includes 11 years with the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, where she managed countywide initiatives and coordinated regional legislative policy development.
Her commitment to public service extends beyond her professional roles. Governor Inslee appointed her to chair the State Advisory Council on Homelessness for five years, where she advised policymakers and worked to align efforts across agencies. She co-founded the Association of County Human Services' Homelessness and Affordable Housing Committee to strengthen counties' collective voice in shaping state policy. Locally, she co-founded Kingston Cares, a North Kitsap nonprofit organization, and has served on its board for 10 years.
"I'm proud to have dedicated my career to strengthening Kitsap communities, and I'm excited to bring my skills, experience, and passion for service to this new role," said Jewell. "I look forward to working with the County Administrator and our dedicated team to help make Kitsap County the best possible place to live, work, and thrive."
A lifelong County resident, Jewell grew up on Bainbridge Island and has lived in North Kitsap with her family for the past 25 years. She holds an Executive Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and a Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College.
Jewell's work is consistently guided by a commitment to building thriving communities, centering partnerships, and elevating innovation. Whether managing emergency operations during the pandemic, expanding housing opportunities for vulnerable populations, or leading statewide policy initiatives, she focuses on navigating complexity while keeping community impact at the center.
Jewell begins her duties as Assistant County Administrator on Sept. 29, 2025.
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