Groth was appointed to lead the State Conservation Commission on Thursday until a new director is hired
The Washington State Conservation Commissioners voted on Thursday, Sept. 21, to give the agency reins to Sarah Groth as interim executive director. She will start serving in the position beginning Friday, Sept. 22.
SCC’s Commission Chair Daryl Williams said, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kirk Robinson for skillfully guiding the agency over the past few months. We are equally thrilled to welcome Sarah as the incoming interim director, with full confidence that she will excel in propelling the agency toward the successful culmination of our search for SCC's next executive director.”
Williams continued, “These are indeed exhilarating times for the agency, and we rest assured that we are under capable leadership. I eagerly look forward to connecting with prospective candidates and partnering closely with our districts and staff to pinpoint the perfect new agency leader.”
“It is with a heavy heart I head back into retirement again as it has been a pleasure to work with the conservation community and the talented staff at the Commission in supporting conservation,” said SCC’s previous interim executive director, Kirk Robinson. “However, I know that Sarah will do a great job keeping the agency on track until a new executive director can take over the reins.”
Sarah Groth, SCC’s new interim executive director, said, “I'm excited and appreciative of the confidence that SCC's leadership and commissioners have shown in me, entrusting me to guide the organization in the coming months as we search for our new, long-term executive director. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the districts and my fellow colleagues to uphold the excellent work already underway in the conservation community. Our staff is truly dedicated to serving our partners and our mission, and I will work to support their continued dedication.”
Groth became a member of the State Conservation Commission in January 2015 as a fiscal analyst. She was promoted to her current role as the director of accounting and budget in 2019. In this position, she holds responsibility for all financial and budgetary affairs at SCC and supervises the six-person fiscal team. Sarah boasts an impressive background of over two decades of financial expertise in both the public and private sectors.
Her wealth of knowledge encompasses the intricacies of state government operations, with a particular emphasis on budgeting. Before her tenure at SCC, Sarah served as a Fiscal Analyst in the Department of Enterprise Services, specifically within the Small Agency Client Services division. She also gained experience working for the state printer.
She currently resides in Olympia, Washington, with her husband, two daughters, and two rambunctious pups. Sarah also serves on the Olympia Education Foundation board of trustees and enjoys traveling with her family.
The executive hiring committee is currently reviewing executive director applications, with the first round of interviews scheduled for the end of the month. After that point, the top candidates will advance into a more collaborative process where we will involve all our regular partner organizations. More information will be provided as it becomes available.