**January 8, 2026**


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Washington Governor Bob Ferguson [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*Contact:* Brionna Aho, Governor's Communications Director, [email protected], <[email protected]> 360-628-3843

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Governor Ferguson appoints Sahar Fathi to new role of Chief Impact Officer, announces Kenneth Martin as new Policy Director

*OLYMPIA — *Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced Policy Director Sahar Fathi is returning after a sabbatical to a newly created senior leadership role: Chief Impact Officer. Interim Policy Director Kenneth Martin will succeed Fathi as Policy Director.

Fathi will be tasked with innovating progressive policy solutions. She will report directly to Governor Ferguson, and serve as the primary connection point with key community organizations and local government leaders. Fathi will also supervise the Federal Government Team that is currently part of the Policy team.

“My administration is constantly looking for ways to improve and innovate,” Governor Ferguson said. “This new role will allow Sahar to focus on progressive, proactive policy work, in direct partnership with community and elected leaders. Kenneth will lead our broader policy team with skill and dedication. We are fortunate to have both of them to help move our state forward.”

“I believe policy is a powerful tool in the governor’s mission to make government center the people,” Fathi said. “That means all the people – especially those who have historically been left behind, and those targeted by the Trump Administration. Creating a leadership position explicitly focused on this goal is exactly the kind of innovation that makes me excited to be part of his administration.”

“I want to thank the Governor for trusting me to serve in this important role,” Martin said. “I am honored to partner with this incredible team to move Washington forward and I look forward to helping shape the policies that directly impact Washingtonians.”

Fathi has worked on policy issues for 15 years. She previously served as Policy Director for Ferguson at the Attorney General’s Office. Prior to that, she was a senior legislative analyst at King County. She has also served various leadership roles with the City of Seattle and the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in French and international relations from the University of Southern California and a master’s in international studies from the University of Washington, where she also earned her law degree. She also received a diploma in International and European Law from the Université Jean-Moulin.

Before serving as interim policy director, Martin served as the governor’s deputy policy director covering issues related to the environment, transportation and infrastructure. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Martin was appointed to leadership roles under the Biden and Obama administrations. President Biden appointed Martin to serve as Director of the American Indian Environmental Office at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Martin also served as the first-ever Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs and the U.S. Department of Transportation, appointed by President Obama. He served as staff in the U.S. Senate for 18 years.

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