homeWelcome, sign in or click here to subscribe.login
     


 

 

Business


print  email to a friend  reprints add to mydjc  

September 2, 2026

Washington State Department of Commerce

Rider

The Washington State Department of Commerce announced Kelly Rider as its new Housing Policy Director, effective Sept. 16.

Rider brings nearly two decades of experience advancing strategic housing and human services initiatives across Washington state.

Before joining Commerce, she spent nine years with King County, advising the County Executive and County Council on housing, homelessness and behavioral health.

In roles including housing policy and special projects manager, director of external affairs/government relations, chief of staff, and director of community and human services, Rider led major initiatives such as Health Through Housing, the Crisis Care Centers levy, and the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy.

Her leadership resulted in the opening of more than 1,000 new supportive homes, financing 2,299 affordable homes across 21 sites, and launching new behavioral health care facilities. Rider holds a Master in Public Administration from the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy & Governance.




Email or user name:
Password:
 
Forgot password? Click here.