PIERCE COUNTY — County Executive Pat McCarthy has announced the hiring of Tiffany Speir as Director of Government Relations for Pierce County. Speir, formerly with the South Sound Military and Communities Partnership (SSMCP), has worked in Pierce County for the last seventeen years.

The selection committee for the position consisted of the county executive, the chair of the Pierce County Council and the prosecuting attorney. She was one of 130 applicants and will start Nov. 16.

“Tiffany will bring a deep understanding of Pierce County government as well as a proven track record of working with varied stakeholders on the issues. I have no doubt that she’ll hit the ground running,” McCarthy said. “Her resume and background are impressive to say the least, and on behalf of the selection committee we look forward to having her on the Pierce County team.”

The county’s Government Relations Director is primarily responsible for fostering relationships between Pierce County and other governments. This includes assisting in the development of county policies, management of legislative activities, and communication and coordination with other public entities at the federal, state, regional and local levels.

Prior to her new position, Speir was the Program Manager for SSMCP, a coalition made up of Pierce and Thurston County governments, military representatives from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the Washington military department, chambers of commerce, economic development boards, social service organizations and healthcare representatives. Speir worked with state and federal elected officials and staff members on issues affecting the military in Washington State, and she serves on the governor’s sub-cabinet on military downsizing.

Speir has also worked for the Master Builders Association of Pierce County and was a partner in the law firm of Fraser, Robinson and Speir.