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State Parks commission adopts new rules of procedure and elects Holly Williams chair
Summary
Commissioners voted to adopt a new rules‑of‑procedure package that replaces seniority selection with elections for chair and vice chair, clarifies committee roles and operating principles, and rescinds the prior travel policy. Holly Williams was elected chair and Scott Merriman vice chair by unanimous consent.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a revised rules‑of‑procedure package on Jan. 29 that changes how the body chooses officers and clarifies internal governance. The ad hoc committee recommended electing a chair and vice chair (rather than using seniority), eliminating the secretary position, and formalizing an executive committee composed of the chair, vice chair and past chair. The rules also emphasize attendance expectations, open‑meeting protocol (no business on personal email), committee roles, and respect for the director’s operational authority.
Commissioner Scott Merriman walked the commission through the draft during the agenda item and commissioners discussed committee configurations and the inclusion of capital in the budget committee. After discussion a motion to adopt the rules was moved and seconded and the commission approved the package by voice vote. The adoption included rescinding the standing travel policy because travel provisions are now incorporated into the new rules.
Following the adoption, commissioners conducted the first election under the new rules. Commissioner Holly Williams was nominated and confirmed by unanimous consent as the 2026 chair; Scott Merriman was nominated and confirmed as vice chair. Commissioners thanked outgoing chair Laurie Conley for her service.
The new rules will be posted on the commission website; staff were thanked for benchmarking procedures used by other state boards and commissions.
