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Thurston County Board of Health directs negotiation of health officer hire
Summary
After a one-hour executive session under the Revised Code of Washington, the board unanimously instructed Dr. Jennifer Freiheit to negotiate an employment offer with a candidate for Thurston County health officer.
Thurston County Board of Health on April 14, 2025 unanimously directed Dr. Jennifer Freiheit to proceed with negotiating an employment offer with a candidate for the county health officer position following a one-hour executive session conducted under the Revised Code of Washington.
The board convened a special meeting at 2:35 p.m. and moved into executive session “to interview an applicant for the position of health officer as allowed by RCW 42.30.110(1)(g),” a staff member said. The executive session was announced to last 60 minutes; the board returned to open session at about 3:35 p.m.
The motion, moved by an unnamed board member and described in the transcript as “to give direction to Dr. Freiheit to proceed with making an offer in negotiating employment with Dr. Tim,” was moved and seconded and adopted by voice vote. The presiding board member called for the vote: "All those in favor, say aye," and the record shows three recorded “ayes.” The presiding member then stated there were no nays or abstentions and that the motion passed. Chair Harvey was excused and did not participate in the vote.
A county representative speaking on behalf of the county manager thanked the board for the unanimous direction and expressed appreciation for Dr. Freiheit’s leadership, saying, in part, “thank you for that unanimous direction to proceed with the negotiation of the employment of Doctor Tin. We look forward to taking these next steps for our community.” Dr. Jennifer Freiheit responded, “No. Thank you all for coming together for this special meeting. I really appreciate the time and great work ahead. I'm excited.”
The transcript uses two spellings for the candidate’s name — “Dr. Tim” and “Doctor Tin” — and does not provide a last name or further identifying details. The board did not announce an agreed salary, start date, or other terms during the open session. The action in open session directs Dr. Freiheit to negotiate and (implicitly) return with an offer or further recommendation; no final appointment or contract award was recorded in the transcript.
The board adjourned immediately after the vote. No additional agenda items or public comment related to the hire were recorded in the transcript.
