Nez Perce Tribal Member Wendy Thomas Named Deputy Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce Office of Tribal Relations

After many years of serving children, families, and Tribal communities through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Wendy Thomas is beginning a new chapter in her career as the Deputy Director of the Office of Tribal Relations at the Washington State Department of Commerce.

This transition represents an exciting opportunity for Thomas to continue the work that has been central to her career.  She is passionate about creating meaningful partnerships that honor Tribal sovereignty, elevate Tribal voices, and improve equitable access to programs and services. She believes that strong communities are built through relationships, shared responsibility, and service to others—a philosophy that has guided her throughout her career in public service and Tribal relations.

Thomas’ commitment to community began long before her professional career. She describes herself as being “community raised” growing up on the Nez Perce Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. This experience taught her the importance of looking out for one another, showing up when people need you, and understanding that when a community is strong, everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Those values have continued to shape her approach to leadership and public service.

A Career Rooted in Service

Prior to joining Commerce, Thomas served as the Early Learning Tribal Relations Administrator with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), where she provided strategic leadership on Tribal engagement, policy development, and cross-agency collaboration. She also previously served as a Child Welfare Supervisor at DCYF and spent nearly a decade as the Social Services Director for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, leading programs that supported Tribal children, families, elders, and community wellness.

Continuing the Work at Commerce

While Thomas is leaving DCYF, she is not leaving Tribal relations.

In her new role at Commerce, she will have the opportunity to work across an agency whose mission touches many areas important to Tribal communities, including economic development, housing, infrastructure, energy, community development, planning, and business services.

As Deputy Director, Thomas will work alongside the Director of Tribal Relations to strengthen Commerce’s government-to-government relationships with Tribal Nations and help build the agency’s capacity for meaningful Tribal engagement, coordination, and consultation.

She will also support efforts to ensure Tribal Nations have meaningful access to Commerce resources and to ensure that Commerce programs, policies, and processes are accessible, transparent, culturally informed, and responsive to Tribal priorities. 

A New Chapter, Not Goodbye

For Thomas, this transition does not represent an end to her work with Tribal Nations. Instead, it provides an opportunity to continue serving Tribal communities from a new position and with a broader statewide reach.

Qeci’yew’yew to the Tribal leaders, colleagues, Elders, families, and community members who welcomed, encouraged, challenged, and trusted Wendy throughout her career. Her commitment to serving Tribal Nations and children and families remains steadfast as she begins this new chapter with the Washington State Department of Commerce.