August 20, 2025

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Angela Ramirez

Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Angela Ramirez as Washington's new Secretary of the Department of Social and Health Services, effective Sept. 22. Ramirez recently served as chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through Jan. 20. Since January, she has advised on several projects.

Ramirez's experience spans more than two decades across local, state and federal government. In her recent role at HHS, she coordinated one of the largest federal departments with over 90,000 employees and a $1.7 trillion budget — the largest of any federal agency. Ramirez led department-wide initiatives, advised the secretary and senior officials, and steered policy and personnel strategies on issues ranging from reproductive health to behavioral health and workforce development.

Before leading HHS as chief of staff and, prior to that, deputy chief of staff, Ramirez served as a Special Assistant to the President in the White House, shaping legislative efforts such as the American Rescue Plan. She also served as senior staff on the Biden Presidential Transition and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Her positions during her 18 years as Congressional staff included serving as executive director of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and chief of staff to then-Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, playing pivotal roles in leadership, legislation and campaign strategy.

Ramirez is a graduate of Princeton University, where she earned a degree in political economy and a certificate in Spanish language and literature. Her early career included a fellowship in the California State Senate and roles in policy analysis and local justice systems. Her community service has included volunteering at Charlie's Place, teaching English as a second language, and mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She was named to Politico's Power List and has been recognized as a key Congressional staffer in the National Journal. The appointment follows a competitive national search drawing candidates from more than 11 states.