OLYMPIA- The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) announced today that Sharon Redmond has been named director of the Division of Child Support (DCS) effective July 16. Redmond takes over for current director Wally McClure, who retires the end of this month after 37 years with the division.
Redmond, whose prior position was as Policy Chief within DCS, is excited to continue the programs and initiatives of the agency is already providing with regard to child support services. One such program is Alternative Solutions, which works to match non-custodial parents needing assistance supporting their children with community services that help them find employment, job training, housing and other resources to help them become self-sufficient.
“I am looking forward to leading the division and continuing my collaborative work with staff, partners and stakeholders,” said Redmond. “Though families have changed over my 32 years with DCS, our mission has remained the same. We help parents raise happy, healthy children with a strong foundation for reaching their full potential as adults.”
In addition to Redmond’s most recent work as a policy chief, she also has served as a district manager, and staff attorney for the division. She is also a member of the board of directors for the Western Interstate Child Support Enforcement Council and has represented Washington state at multiple national conferences.
In June, Redmond received the 2018 Governor’s Award for leadership in Management for her work reducing the time establishing right-sized child support orders resulting in families receiving support sooner and more regularly.
Her extensive child support experience and dedication to public service make Redmond particularly suited to lead the division as the agency works to reduce poverty, said David Stillman, assistant secretary for the DSHS Economic Services Administration.
“Sharon has always been an excellent partner and advocate for the continued improvement of DCS staff and programs,” said Stillman. “We fully expect that she will build on the successes and current initiatives of the division.”
For more information about the Division of Child Support, visit https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/division-child-support.
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