Thurston County  County Public Health and Social Services Director David Bayne resigns after 17 months in position

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (PHSS) Director, David Bayne, has resigned after seventeen months in the seat.

County Manager Leonard Hernandez announced Bayne's departure in a press release, noting that Bayne is moving on to a new opportunity outside Thurston County.

“While we are disappointed to see David leave the county,” said Hernandez, “we appreciate his leadership and contributions to our county, especially as we continue to work through the recovery phase of the COVID pandemic.”

Bayne was appointed director following a nationwide search that also identified Dr. Jennifer Freiheit as a strong candidate for the assistant director position.

Both Bayne and Dr. Freiheit began their roles around the same time and have collaborated on various PHSS initiatives.

The county has offered Dr. Jennifer Freiheit the position of Interim Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Director.

Assistant Director Dr. Jennifer Freiheit will serve as the interim director while the county evaluates its next steps.

Hernandez expressed confidence in her leadership, stating, “The leadership team looks forward to supporting Dr. Freiheit and all the hardworking employees of PHSS through this transition. The work they do is vital to our community.”