Commissioner Katie Walters, representing Central Kitsap, brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to public service to her role on the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. Since her election in November 2022, she has made significant progress in addressing our community's diverse needs.
With over 30 years of experience in non-profits and education, Commissioner Walters has consistently demonstrated her dedication to empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Prior to her election, she served as the executive director of the Leadership Kitsap Foundation, where she played a pivotal role in cultivating educated and prepared community leaders. Her extensive background includes teaching at Olympic College as an adjunct professor and contributing to the college's Organizational Leadership and Resource Management, and Workforce Development Advisory Boards.
Commissioner Walters's commitment to community enrichment is evident in her involvement in various organizations and initiatives. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art in 2013, serving as its marketing and community relations director. Additionally, she has held leadership positions in organizations such as the Central Kitsap Montessori Parents Association, the Kitsap Soap Box Derby Association, and the Boy Scouts of America, where she proudly supported her three Eagle Scout sons. She is also an active member of the Bremerton Rotary.
A passionate advocate for the arts and education, Commissioner Walters was appointed to the Kitsap County Arts Board and served as president of the Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees. She has been involved in advisory committees for the Central Kitsap School District and Klahowya Secondary School.
Originally from Spokane and raised in Helena, Montana, Commissioner Walters has called Kitsap County home since 1991. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations with a concentration in political science from Gonzaga University in 1989, followed by a master's degree in communications from Washington State University in 1990. In 2012, she expanded her expertise by obtaining a certificate in museum studies from the University of Washington.
During her tenure, Commissioner Walters championed numerous initiatives demonstrating her proactive approach to community development. Notably, she spearheaded the County's partnership with Olympic College and Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to address healthcare workforce shortages in the region. Her support for the first phase of building a new regional health sciences campus at Olympic College's Poulsbo campus will add capacity for more than 600 students annually, addressing critical needs in healthcare education and services.
Commissioner Walters also played a key role in supporting the acquisition of land to extend the Kitsap Mental Health campus, facilitating expanded mental health services and residences for mental health clients. Her commitment to addressing social issues extends to the Kitsap Juvenile Detention Center, where she led efforts for its reuse, emphasizing rehabilitation, community integration, and establishment of Peninsula Community Health Services' Clifton Clinic at the Center.
In addition to her focus on healthcare and social services, Commissioner Walters has championed innovative community programs, including support for the Sponsor-a-Can shopping cart collection and sanitation pilot program in Silverdale. Recognizing the importance of supporting seniors in our community, she has been a strong advocate for the Silverdale Senior Center, ensuring our elderly population receives the attention and resources they need.
Moreover, Commissioner Walters has been instrumental in enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement by advocating for the implementation of Sheriff Department body-worn cameras, promoting trust and accountability between law enforcement officers and the community they serve.
Commissioner Walters represents Kitsap County on several local, regional, and national boards including: Housing Kitsap, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, Kitsap County Elections Canvassing Board, Kitsap 911-CENCOM, Kitsap Regional Coordination Council, Kitsap Transit, National Association of Counties (NACo) Community Economic and Workforce Development Policy Steering Committee, NACo Arts & Culture Commission, Puget Sound Regional Council Growth Management Policy Board, and Washington State Association of Counties Board.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Walters remains dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges facing Kitsap County, leveraging her experience and community connections to make a positive impact.
Commissioner Walters may be reached at kwalters@kitsap.gov.
