OLYMPIA -- Julie Jefferson, a member of the Lummi Nation, has been named regional manager of Indian Policy and Support Services for the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Her office is in Everett.

Jefferson's area of responsibility includes Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties. She will work closely with Lummi Nation, Nooksack Tribe, Samish Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe, Swinomish Tribe, Tulalip Tribes, and Upper Skagit Tribe, as well as various state agencies and other organizations.

"I am honored to be in this DSHS position, which advocates for Indian people, and supports positive working relationships with Tribes and DSHS Administrations," Jefferson said.

Her background includes various capacities with the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe and the Lummi Indian Business Council that included experience dealing with DSHS. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Diversity from Western Washington University.

"This education and work experience will be a tremendous asset for Ms. Jefferson as she embarks on this new career opportunity," said Colleen F. Cawston, director of the DSHS Office of Indian Policy and Support Services.

DSHS Regional Managers serve as liaisons between all DSHS programs, federally recognized Indian Tribes, Indian organizations and communities with an emphasis on "government-to-government" consultation, maintaining tribal/state relationships, implementing and maintaining channels of communication, policy development, and preventive programs.