First director of Mello administration confirmed

On Tuesday, April 1, the Pierce County Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Robin Vasquez as the Director of the Human Resources Department with a 6-0 vote. One councilmember was excused from the meeting.

Vasquez’s confirmation is the first of County Executive Ryan Mello’s new administration, setting in motion a series of spring and summer confirmation hearings.

“I was really struck by Robin’s extensive experience, but I think what struck me the most was when I asked about collective bargaining agreements,” said Council Chair Jani Hitchen (District 6). “Over the last couple of years, the Council has done a lot of work to improve communication between the Human Resources Department, and her experience, combined with her willingness to work with both branches of government, was promising.” 

The Human Resources Department is established by county ordinance and governed by the Pierce County Code. The Human Resources Department provides a wide range of human resource management functions for all county departments and administers a comprehensive merit-based personnel management system. It includes the Civil Service Commission, Personnel Board and Salary Commission for Elected Officials.

Vasquez first appeared before the council’s Rules and Operations Committee on Tuesday, March 24, for a committee hearing and recommendation to the full council. With her confirmation, Vasquez will officially assume the role of Director of the Human Resources Department. 

Prior to Vasquez’s appointment, the Acting Director of Finance, Julie Demuth, appeared before the Rules and Operations Committee on Monday, March 31, for a confirmation hearing. Demuth’s appointment resolution, Proposed Resolution No. R2025-130, was moved out of committee with a do-pass recommendation. 

The council was scheduled to consider Demuth’s appointment at its Tuesday, April 8, council meeting. It was recorded and posted to the council’s YouTube Channel, where the public can watch it on demand. The council holds regular meetings every Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the County Council Chambers. Learn how to participate at piercecountywa.gov.