Pierce County, Washington Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Pierce County, Washington has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and public safety.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, Pierce County, Washington provides essential public administration, safety, and infrastructure services, fostering development and enhancing the quality of life for all residents and businesses.

Leadership Roles at Pierce County, Washington

  • Chief Executive Officer - Maureen Fife
  • Interim President & Chief Executive Officer - Thomas Pierson
  • Chief Operating Officer & Deputy County Executive - Scott Nicholson
  • Superior Court Administrator and Past-President Association of Washington Superior Court Administrators - Chris Gaddis
  • President - Bryce Nelson
  • President - Rhonda Freeland
  • Chief of Staff - Lana Weinmann
  • Deputy Sheriff Chief People Officer L4-11 - Paul Evans
  • Deputy Sheriff Chief People Officer L3-9 - Robert Copodonna
  • Maureen Fife - Chief Executive Officer

    Maureen Fife, the Chief Executive Officer at Pierce County, Washington, directs the overarching strategy and administrative functions for the county government. Fife oversees the delivery of critical public services, including community development, public safety, and infrastructure management, ensuring alignment with the county's mission to support residents and businesses. This leadership role involves coordinating efforts across various departments to enhance civic programs and maintain regulatory oversight. Fife's executive direction ensures the efficient operation of county infrastructure and the effective provision of human services. By focusing on robust public administration, Maureen Fife drives the county's commitment to quality of life and community development across Washington.
    Maureen Fife

    Thomas Pierson - Interim President & Chief Executive Officer

    Thomas Pierson, the Interim President & Chief Executive Officer at Pierce County, Washington, provides critical leadership during a transitional period, guiding the county's strategic direction and operational execution. Pierson oversees the comprehensive range of public administration and community services, ensuring continuity and effectiveness in areas such as public safety, transportation, and environmental management. This role involves close collaboration with department heads to uphold regulatory functions and civic programs that bolster community development. Pierson's interim leadership ensures that infrastructure projects and human services continue to meet the needs of residents and businesses. By maintaining a focus on operational excellence, Thomas Pierson supports the county's mission to enhance the quality of life for all.

    Scott Nicholson - Chief Operating Officer & Deputy County Executive

    Scott Nicholson, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy County Executive at Pierce County, Washington, directs the day-to-day operational execution of county services and supports the Chief Executive Officer in administrative oversight. Nicholson manages critical functions including public works, parks, and human services, ensuring the effective delivery of infrastructure and community programs. This role involves coordinating regulatory functions and civic initiatives that promote community development and enhance resident quality of life. Scott Nicholson oversees the operational aspects of public safety, transportation, and environmental management, ensuring seamless integration across departments. By optimizing operational efficiency, Scott Nicholson drives the county's commitment to providing essential services and maintaining robust infrastructure.
    Scott Nicholson

    Chris Gaddis - Superior Court Administrator and Past-President Association of Washington Superior Court Administrators

    Chris Gaddis, the Superior Court Administrator and Past-President Association of Washington Superior Court Administrators at Pierce County, Washington, manages the administrative and operational functions of the Superior Court system. Gaddis oversees court scheduling, case management, and resource allocation to ensure the efficient administration of justice. This leadership position involves implementing policies that support the judicial process and enhance access to legal services for residents. Chris Gaddis's experience also extends to broader leadership within the Association of Washington Superior Court Administrators, contributing to best practices across the state. By ensuring the effective operation of the courts, Chris Gaddis supports the county's commitment to public safety and regulatory functions.

    Bryce Nelson - President

    Bryce Nelson, the President at Pierce County, Washington, provides leadership and strategic direction for key county initiatives, focusing on community development and public services. Nelson oversees the coordination of various departments to ensure the effective delivery of infrastructure, transportation, and environmental management programs. This role involves fostering collaboration among stakeholders to enhance civic programs and support resident quality of life. Bryce Nelson's leadership ensures that regulatory functions and public works projects align with the county's overarching mission. By driving strategic planning, Bryce Nelson contributes significantly to the operational excellence and community well-being initiatives across Pierce County.

    Rhonda Freeland - President

    Rhonda Freeland, the President at Pierce County, Washington, leads strategic planning and operational oversight for critical county functions, emphasizing community services and public administration. Freeland directs efforts to enhance infrastructure, transportation, and environmental management, ensuring these services effectively support residents and businesses. This position involves guiding the implementation of civic programs and regulatory functions that are fundamental to community development and quality of life. Rhonda Freeland's leadership ensures that human services and public works initiatives are executed with efficiency and impact. By championing strategic objectives, Rhonda Freeland strengthens the county's capacity to provide essential services and foster community well-being.

    Lana Weinmann - Chief of Staff

    Lana Weinmann, the Chief of Staff at Pierce County, Washington, manages the executive office and supports the Chief Executive Officer in directing county-wide operations and strategic initiatives. Weinmann coordinates interdepartmental communication and ensures the efficient execution of administrative policies across public safety, transportation, and community services. This position involves overseeing the implementation of civic programs and regulatory functions that are vital to community development and quality of life. Weinmann's responsibilities include facilitating the smooth operation of courts, elections, and property assessment processes. By streamlining administrative workflows, Lana Weinmann enhances the county's capacity to deliver essential public works and human services effectively.

    Paul Evans - Deputy Sheriff Chief People Officer L4-11

    Paul Evans, the Deputy Sheriff Chief People Officer L4-11 at Pierce County, Washington, leads human resources and personnel management within the Sheriff's department, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and employee relations. Evans ensures the department's staffing levels meet operational demands for public safety and law enforcement across the county. This role involves implementing HR strategies that support the well-being and professional growth of all personnel. Paul Evans oversees the recruitment and retention of skilled individuals essential for effective civic programs and regulatory functions. By prioritizing human capital, Paul Evans contributes to the overall effectiveness of the county's public safety initiatives and community support services.

    Robert Copodonna - Deputy Sheriff Chief People Officer L3-9

    Robert Copodonna, the Deputy Sheriff Chief People Officer L3-9 at Pierce County, Washington, supports human resources functions within the Sheriff's department, focusing on personnel administration and employee support. Copodonna assists in managing staffing needs and implementing HR policies that contribute to effective public safety operations. This role involves ensuring that personnel practices align with the department's objectives for law enforcement and community service. Robert Copodonna contributes to maintaining a skilled and motivated workforce essential for executing civic programs and regulatory functions. By focusing on personnel management, Robert Copodonna aids in the efficient operation of the Sheriff's department and the delivery of vital county services.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Pierce County, Washington Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Pierce County, Washington?
    Pierce County, Washington is led by Maureen Fife (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas Pierson (Interim President & Chief Executive Officer) and Scott Nicholson (Chief Operating Officer & Deputy County Executive).
    Who is part of Pierce County, Washington’s executive team?
    The executive team of Pierce County, Washington includes leaders such as Maureen Fife (Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Pierson (Interim President & Chief Executive Officer), Scott Nicholson (Chief Operating Officer & Deputy County Executive) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Pierce County, Washington have?
    Pierce County, Washington has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Pierce County, Washington’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Pierce County, Washington includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Interim President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Deputy County Executive, Superior Court Administrator and Past-President Association of Washington Superior Court Administrators, President.