Washington State Transportation Commission elects new leadership effective July 1

The Washington State Transportation Commission on Thursday approved new leadership for the coming year, electing Commissioner Jim Restucci as chair and Commissioner J.C. Baldwin as vice chair, effective July 1. The nomination was moved and seconded during the Kalama meeting and approved by voice vote.

The nominations came from the commission’s nominating committee and were presented on the record by Chair Debbie Young, who said she was “very grateful to both Commissioner Restucci and Commissioner Baldwin for stepping up to fill these important roles.” The motion passed with six ayes and one absence, installing the new leadership team for the 2026–27 term.

Commissioners praised outgoing chair Debbie Young for her tenure. “Debbie has done a phenomenal job as chair,” one commissioner said during the exchange, thanking her for leading the group through several complex policy discussions this year.

The leadership change will be recorded as effective July 1 and commissioners noted that committee assignments and subcommittee membership will be adjusted to reflect the new chair and vice chair roles before the commission’s next session.

The commission did not take other formal policy votes at this time; members said they would continue committee work and public outreach over the summer ahead of fall agenda items.