OLYMPIA -- Thomas Shapley has been appointed Communications Director for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Thomas comes from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction where he has been the Assistant Superintendent for Communications and Community Outreach. He has more than 30 years of experience as a reporter, photographer, editor, editorial writer, and columnist with weekly and daily newspapers in five Western states. He covered state legislative sessions in Olympia for the P-I Editorial pages from 2000 to 2006.

DSHS Deputy Secretary Blake Chard said "DSHS, being the largest state agency needs to deliver more results-oriented news. Thomas brings a level of experience and training that will allow the department to meet that challenge."

Thomas replaces current Communications Director Steve Williams who will remain with the DSHS Communications Office.

"I was honored to be asked to take the position two years ago," said Williams. "But I've reached that 'certain age' where it's time to step back into a supportive position so I can devote more time to family and health issues."

Chard also said "Our relationship with news media has improved in the last couple of years due in a large part to the hard work of our media relations managers. Steve played an important role in that improvement."

Thomas will assume his new position on February 1, 2008.