November 12, 2025

State Transportation Commission

Gov. Bob Ferguson has named Matt Ransom of Camas and Gael Tarleton of Seattle to the Washington State Transportation Commission, filling two open seats reserved for representatives west of the Cascade Mountains. Ransom serves as the executive director of the Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council and brings more than 25 years of experience in local and regional government. He has overseen projects and initiatives for the city of Vancouver and C-TRAN, the transit service provider in southwest Washington. In his current role, he collaborates with local governments and transportation agencies across southwest Washington and bi-state partners in Oregon to plan and fund regional transportation priorities. Tarleton is a former state legislator and Port of Seattle commissioner who has also held leadership roles with the city of Seattle, University of Washington and the federal government. In the Legislature, she served as chair of the House Finance Committee, vice chair of the House Technology & Economic Development Committee and on the House Transportation Committee. Ransom replaces Commissioner Roy Jennings of Clark County, who served 11 years on the commission. Tarleton replaces Commissioner Shiv Batra of King County, who served nine years. The Washington State Transportation Commission provides guidance to lawmakers and the governor on transportation policy and serves as the state's tolling authority, setting toll rates and ferry fares. Every four years, commissioners update the Washington Transportation Plan, which guides transportation decisions and investments statewide. By law, the commission is composed of four members from west of the Cascade Mountains and three from the east.