HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan administers the oath of office to Deputy Secretary Ron Sims (left) as Sims’ wife, Cayan Topacio, holds the Bible. Photo provided by the HUD
WASHINGTON (AP) — On May 8, former King County Executive Ron Sims was sworn in to a high-ranking job within the Obama administration. Sims’ last day as King County Executive was May 7.
Sims, 60, was sworn in as deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Sims duties include managing the day-to-day operations at the HUD, which has an annual budget of nearly $39 billion and 8,500 employees.
The King County Council appointed Chief of Staff Kurt Triplett as interim executive for the time being.
“I am honored and humbled to follow Ron and will work to carry forward his tremendous legacy of service to King County residents,” said Triplett in a statement. “I look forward to working in partnership with county staff as we continue to provide the world class government our residents expect and deserve.”
The King County Council is scheduled to appoint a successor on May 18, with the successor serving until the November general election when a new executive will be voted into the post. ♦