Gov. Bob Ferguson has appointed award-winning journalist Jesse Jones as director of Results Washington, the state agency dedicated to improving government performance for Washington residents. The agency works with state departments to set measurable goals, collect performance data, and conduct public reviews to ensure accountability and transparency.
During his inaugural address last week, Ferguson underscored his commitment to improving customer service across state government.
“Few things frustrate me more than bureaucracy that creates delays, confusion, or extra hurdles when people and businesses need questions answered and results delivered,” Ferguson said. “Our mission must be to speed up government, improve customer service, and center the people in every decision we make.”
Jones will lead a refocused Results Washington, prioritizing customer service and using its resources to help agencies provide faster, more efficient support to Washingtonians.
An Emmy-winning investigative journalist, Jones is known for reporting that has driven meaningful change at local, state, and federal levels. His work has led to legislative reforms, including laws to curb ticket bots, allow free credit freezes, and protect homeowners from predatory real estate contracts.
“Washingtonians know that when there is a problem to be solved, you get Jesse,” Ferguson said. “Government must work better. Jesse’s track record makes him an ideal candidate for this role.”
Jones has earned multiple Emmy Awards and was part of a team that became a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2024. That same year, he was inducted into the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Silver Circle Award, honoring his lifetime contributions to journalism.
A Tacoma native, Jones graduated from Henry Foss High School and began his broadcasting career as an intern at KSTW-TV.
In 2007, he launched the “Get Jesse” segment on KING 5, helping Washingtonians resolve disputes with businesses and contractors. His reporting spurred investigations at local, state, and federal levels.
In 2014, Jones moved to KIRO-TV, where his investigative reporting gained national recognition. One of his most notable stories exposed Office Depot’s questionable computer repair program, prompting investigations by the Federal Trade Commission and the Washington State Attorney General.
More recently, Jones uncovered a hidden 3% surcharge on certain concessions at Climate Pledge Arena, leading to a class-action lawsuit and action from the state Attorney General’s Office.
Jones currently lives in Snohomish County with Kim, his wife of 34 years. Their daughter, Cydney, is attending college in Colorado.
Source: Seattle Medium
