Incoming Governor Bob Ferguson has tapped a longtime Democratic legislator to head the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).

On Wednesday, Ferguson announced that state Rep. Tana Senn, D-Mercer Island, will serve as director of the agency. The appointment will take effect Jan. 15.

“Tana Senn is a well-respected, innovative leader on issues related to supporting Washington children and families,” Ferguson said in a statement Wednesday. “I am thrilled that she will serve as director at DCYF and confident she will ensure this critical state agency works better for the kids and the families of our great state.”

Senn will replace outgoing Director Ross Hunter, who told reporters before the November election that he would not seek reappointment in the new administration. The agency was established in 2017, and oversees early learning and child welfare programs, among others.

The agency is also tasked with overseeing the state’s juvenile rehabilitation program, which includes Green Hill School in Chehalis.

“Supporting kids and families has been a longstanding priority of mine,” Senn said. “After more than a decade of shaping policy in this critical space, I am honored to be asked to serve as Secretary of the Department of Children, Youth and Families and look forward to creating direct, meaningful impact for our most vulnerable communities.”

Senn has served in the Legislature since 2013 and currently chairs the House Human Services, Youth, and Early Learning Committee. According to an announcement from Ferguson’s office, Fenn has helped pass several “significant” pieces of legislation, including the Fair Start for Kids Act, the Equal Pay Opportunity Act and the zero-emissions school bus bill.

Senn has 15 years of experience in government relations and communications in the private, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, and previously served on the Mercer Island City Council.

According to Ferguson’s office, Senn earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Washington University in St. Louis and a master's degree in public policy and administration from Columbia University.

Senn also serves as co-president of the National Association of Jewish Legislators and on the boards for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue and the University of Washington’s Master's in Applied Child and Adolescent Psychology program.

The appointment comes after frequent headlines regarding the handling of Green Hill School, which has seen a rise in contraband and staff misconduct amid overcrowding.

Hours before the appointment was announced, DCYF announced new restrictions at Green Hill School, which came after staff “responded to 8 medical emergencies involving contraband” in the last week.

The Chehalis Police Department announced last week that it was investigating four overdoses at Green Hill, an announcement that came before the latest incidents.

“No deaths or long-term hospitalizations were reported,” the department stated on Dec. 12, referring to the first four incidents. “Since these cases are currently active, no further information is being released at this time. “The Chehalis Police Department will continue to aggressively investigate those who are involved in criminal activity at Green Hill School.”

Last week, two female staff members were accused of having inappropriate relationships with inmates while working at the facility by the Chehalis Police Department. This year, seven correctional staff members have been accused of crimes.