Agency leadership

Madeleine “Maddy” Aroney Thompson

Acting Executive Director

Maddy Thomspon was appointed acting executive director of the Workforce Board in January 2026 by Gov. Bob Ferguson. She has served in leading policy roles in Washington’s executive and legislative branches over 25 years.

Maddy leads the charge to work with business, labor and government leaders to meet Washington’s workforce needs. She ensures research informs policy development and program improvements, and advocates for changes to better meet the needs of Washington’s employers, students and workers.

Maddy recently served as the Workforce Board’s director of policy, strategy and research. She previously advised the office of former Gov. Jay Inslee as a senior policy advisor, focused on education policy and budget priorities. This involved collaboration with elected officials and education partners across Washington to improve educational outcomes for Washington youth and adults. Maddy led the charge to transform state financial aid to an entitlement program, the Washington College Grant. This program is now known as the most equitable and most generous program in the country. She advocated for change in the state K-12 education funding formula to ensure more adults were hired in schools to provide mental health and other supports for youth. Maddy served as an Education Commissioner representing Washington, on the national bipartisan organization, the Education Commission of the States. She also worked as a research analyst for the Washington House of Representatives and led policy and government relations at the Washington Student Achievement Council.

She has also advanced numerous initiatives to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of the educator workforce and representation on education boards and commissions.

In higher education, Maddy facilitated the development of state higher education goals and strategic plans, and she conducted research and developed programs that help returning adults to gain postsecondary credentials such as I-BEST and applied baccalaureate degrees.

In her various roles she has been a regular speaker at national forums including the National Governors Association, the Education Commission of the States, and international forums such as Pacific Northwest Economic Region summits. Maddy is a former educator and attained her master’s degree in public administration from The Evergreen State College after moving to the United States from Australia.

Apart from individual enrichment, Maddy believes that education is the foundation for a prosperous community and a strong democracy. In 2024 Maddy received the PTA award for education advocacy.